start at the bottom从最底层做起

一句话把行业的门槛说透，没有经验，再好的热情也上不了台。

You don't just walk on to ... without ...

要说明某行有硬门槛时用，对新人说很管用，别拿来堵人热情。

You can't just walk into that job without experience. ／ Nobody gets on a network show by showing up.

中性

don't just 连读，walk on to 轻轻带过，without 重读。

You don't just walk on to a hospital floor without training. 没受过训练，你不可能就这么上医院病房干活。

先承认这是陈词滥调，再把它当真理压下来，老话反而更有分量。

It's an old ... expression, but it's the truth: ...

要郑重讲一句老道理时用，适合对晚辈，正式场合慎用口语缩写。

It's a tired saying, but it's true. ／ The old line is still the honest one.

正式

old 和 hackneyed 之间停半拍，the truth 后停顿再往下。

It's an old expression, but it's the truth: you learn by doing. 这是句老话，但却是实话：本事是干出来的。

把窘迫和诚意一起摆上桌，穷也要请客，读来又好笑又心酸。

I'm short on cash, but if you don't mind ...

手头紧又想表示心意时用，对熟人坦白可以，对客户别这么讲。

I'm a little short this month, but I'd still love to treat you. ／ Money is tight, so maybe just coffee.

口语

short on cash 连读，don't mind 轻读，just appetizers 逐个点清。

I'm short on cash, but if you don't mind noodles, dinner is on me. 我手头有点紧，你要是不介意吃面，这顿我请。

先礼后兵地插一句年龄，追梦人的时间焦虑一下压过客套，真实得让人心软。

There's only one problem. ... I'm ... years old.

想强调自己等不起时用，适合私下谈机会，别在面试里拿来当借口，容易显得推责。

One thing though, I'm not getting any younger. ／ The trouble is, I'm already 34.

口语

only one problem 稍停，34 years old 一字一顿。

There's one problem. I don't mean to complain, but I'm 40 already. 有个问题。不是抱怨，可我已经四十了。