wild-goose chase白跑一趟

把陪审团的好感与不信任并置，一句说尽庭上人心。

They liked X but they didn't believe him.

点评一个人讨喜却不被信任时用；当面这样评价同事会伤人。

Everyone likes him, but nobody trusts him. ／ They warmed to him and still doubted every word.

中性

liked 与 didn't believe 重读，but 轻快带过。

The team liked the new lead but they didn't believe her. 团队喜欢这位新负责人，却不信她。

重复最后两个字，把职业操守压成一句沉甸甸的执念。

X's life is at stake. That's all that matters.

强调某事关系重大、别无选择时用；日常小事上这样说会显得夸张。

His life is on the line, and nothing else counts. ／ This is about a life, not a reputation.

正式

at stake 重读，all that matters 放慢，his life 前停顿。

Their homes are at stake. That's all that matters. 他们的家危在旦夕，这才是唯一要紧的。

用一句轻描淡写的硬话，把病体与职责的分量全亮出来。

If I can't X, I'll do it Y.

表明无论如何都要完成任务时用；对需要休息的人别这样逞强。

If I can't do it standing, I'll do it sitting. ／ Whatever my body says, the work gets done.

中性

If I can't 连读，final appeal 重读，sitting down 落稳。

If I can't walk there, I'll get there by bus. 要是我走不到那儿，我就坐公交去。

把整场审判的重量压进“噩梦”一个词，本集标题也由此而来。

It's like a nightmare. Some ... dream.

在承受巨大压力、事情接连失控时用来形容处境；在喜庆或需要冷静公事的场合不要这样夸张。

It's like living in a bad dream. ／ This feels like a waking nightmare.

口语

God 轻吐，like a nightmare 一气呵成，ghastly 加重。

These last two weeks have been like a nightmare. 过去这两周简直像一场噩梦。