cross someone使绊子

用「无法衡量」推出「没有限度」，一句像逻辑推演的自辩。

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

半认真地为自己的情绪找理由时用；正式报告里别这么绕。

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

正式

no measure 连读，therefore 后稍停，without limit 放慢。

There is no measure in the work, therefore the tiredness is without limit. 活儿根本没法计量，所以累也就没有底。

用野蔷薇和玫瑰的对立表明立场，宁可烂着，也不受恩。

I had rather be X than Y

宁可选低微也要保骨气时用；对给你好处的人说会显得不识抬举。

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 连读，canker 重读，than 后对比玫瑰。

I had rather be a canker in a hedge than a rose in his grace. 我宁愿做篱笆里的野蔷薇，也不做他恩宠里的玫瑰。

先否认自己是老实人，再把「明着来的恶人」当成自封的头衔，坦荡得可怕。

Though not X, I am Y.

半自嘲地承认自己不讨喜、却不愿装好人时用；正式场合慎用。

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 连读，plain-dealing 重读，villain 收得干脆。

Though not a flattering friend, I am a plain-dealing one. 我算不上会奉承的朋友，但绝对当面说话。

一句拒绝改变自己的宣告，简短、强硬，还带着命令式的架子。

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

有人劝你改性子、你不肯让步时用；对长辈说会显得顶撞。

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

literary

let me be 连读，that I am 放轻，alter me 重读收尾。

Let me be that I am, and seek not to alter my habits. 就让我做我自己，别想着改我的习惯。

把「阻挠」和「祝福自己」对起来说，坏心思也讲出了对称的漂亮。

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

半开玩笑地说只要能恶心到对手就痛快时用；认真场合别学。

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

口语

cross him 连读，any way 与 every way 对称重读。

If I can slow his project any way, I bless myself every way. 只要能拖慢他的项目，我就浑身舒坦。