cross someone使絆子

用「無法衡量」推出「沒有限度」，一句像邏輯推演的自辯。

There is no measure in X, therefore Y is without limit.

半認真地為自己的情緒找理由時用；正式報告裡別這麼繞。

If the cause has no measure, neither has the grief. ／ A boundless cause brings a boundless sorrow.

正式

no measure 連讀，therefore 後稍停，without limit 放慢。

There is no measure in the work, therefore the tiredness is without limit. 活兒根本沒法計量，所以累也就沒有底。

用野薔薇和玫瑰的對立表明立場，寧可爛著，也不受恩。

I had rather be X than Y

寧可選低微也要保骨氣時用；對給你好處的人說會顯得不識抬舉。

I would rather be a weed than a kept rose. ／ Better a thorn in the hedge than a flower in his hand.

literary

rather be a 連讀，canker 重讀，than 後對比玫瑰。

I had rather be a canker in a hedge than a rose in his grace. 我寧願做籬笆裡的野薔薇，也不做他恩寵裡的玫瑰。

先否認自己是老實人，再把「明著來的惡人」當成自封的頭銜，坦蕩得可怕。

Though not X, I am Y.

半自嘲地承認自己不討喜、卻不願裝好人時用；正式場合慎用。

I may not be honest, but I am no liar about it. ／ Call me a villain, at least I say so to your face.

正式

though I 連讀，plain-dealing 重讀，villain 收得乾脆。

Though not a flattering friend, I am a plain-dealing one. 我算不上會奉承的朋友，但絕對當面說話。

一句拒絕改變自己的宣告，簡短、強硬，還帶著命令式的架子。

Let me be that I am, and seek not to alter me.

有人勸你改性子、你不肯讓步時用；對長輩說會顯得頂撞。

Let me be myself and stop trying to change me. ／ I am what I am; leave it alone.

literary

let me be 連讀，that I am 放輕，alter me 重讀收尾。

Let me be that I am, and seek not to alter my habits. 就讓我做我自己，別想著改我的習慣。

把「阻撓」和「祝福自己」對起來說，壞心思也講出了對稱的漂亮。

If I can X any way, I bless myself every way.

半開玩笑地說只要能噁心到對手就痛快時用；認真場合別學。

Any blow against him is a gift to me. ／ Crossing him is my own reward.

口語

cross him 連讀，any way 與 every way 對稱重讀。

If I can slow his project any way, I bless myself every way. 只要能拖慢他的專案，我就渾身舒坦。