industry standard行业标准

把一条搭讪规矩讲得像经济学，used to 和 now 一对比就显出荒谬。

I used to ..., but now it's like ...

拿过去和现在对比来吐槽变化时用；正式写作里少用 it's like 这种口头插入。

I used to do that, but now everyone does it. ／ People used to wait, but now nobody bothers.

口语

used to 轻读，but now it's like 一路加速带过。

I used to sell these fast, but now it's like nobody buys them. 以前这货我卖得飞快，可现在好像没人买了。

用 scare off 把「猴急」讲成惊走猎物的动作，画面感和幽默都在。

If you ..., you might scare off ...

提醒别人别太急切时用；scare off 也能说客户、机会被吓跑。

Call too soon and you might scare her away. ／ You could spook a girl who was actually keen.

口语

too soon 连读，scare off a 三个词黏在一起。

Push too hard and you might scare off the client. 逼得太紧，你可能会把客户吓跑。

把「麻烦会找上门」说成 trouble finds you，一句就把两个城市的安全感说清了。

... finds you

比较环境差异、解释为什么有人总提心吊胆时用；说麻烦、机会都行。

Back home, trouble always comes to you. ／ In a big city the danger seeks you out.

中性

good neighborhood 连读，trouble finds you 句尾下沉收住。

In a small town opportunity still finds you. 在小镇上，机会照样会找上门。

把恋爱里的小心机总结成一条干脆的规则，像行家给出的口诀。

X is enough not to look ...

讨论约会节奏、给朋友出主意时能用；对刚认识的人上来就讲这套会显得算计，别用。

Two days is enough so you don't look desperate. ／ Waiting two days keeps you from seeming eager.

口语

Two's enough 连读，not to look 连读，anxious 咬实。

A day is enough not to look too eager. 隔一天就够了，不会显得太心急。