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內容簡介

有沒有某個人或某件事情的存在讓你感到不自然，放不開？英語口語中有個表達，正好可以用來描述這種情況。聽主持人佳瑩和 Neil 的對話，學習表達 “cramp someone’s style” 的含義和用法。

文字稿

（關于臺詞的備注: 請注意這不是廣播節目的逐字稿件。本文稿可能沒有體現錄制、編輯過程中對節目做出的改變。）

Jiaying
大家好，歡迎來到 BBC英語教學的 “地道英語” 節目，我是佳瑩。

Neil
… and I’m Neil. You look really busy. Is everything OK?

Jiaying
Yes, but I’m having a dinner party for my friends on Saturday, but I’d forgotten my parents were coming to stay this weekend.

Neil
Have you considered postponing the dinner?

Jiaying
Hmm… no. In fact, my parents were more concerned they would cramp my style.

Neil
Your style is giving you cramp? That sounds painful.

Jiaying
No, Neil. 我說的是 “cramp someone’s style”，意思是 “妨礙了某人要做的事情，讓這個人不能放手辦事或者感到不自然” 。

Neil
Ah, that makes sense. Your parents were worried they would stop you having the type of party where you could be yourself. Now I understand.

Jiaying
Well, let’s talk more about my party after these examples.

Examples
I don’t want to cramp your style, but could you wear a shirt and tie to work rather than a T-shirt?

I had to move out of the house share. I didn’t feel free there, and my old housemates were cramping my style.

I don’t want to go to the party. I’m worried she thinks I’m uncool and that I’ll cramp her style.

Jiaying
你正在收聽的是 BBC英語教學的 “地道英語” 節目。我們剛剛討論了表達 “cramp someone’s style” 的意思和用法。我們用這個表達來描述一個人或一件事情 “使某人受到約束，妨礙其發揮，或者讓這個人感到放不開” 。

Neil
So, hang on – why didn’t I get an invite to your dinner party? Are you worried I’d cramp your style?

Jiaying
Err… no. It’s just last time you brought that parrot and it kept making inappropriate jokes. Maybe your invite got lost in the mail!

Neil
Oh… it wasn’t a real parrot though – just one of my son’s toys I like to wear on my shoulder! OK, so I’ll wait to see if my invite arrives.

Jiaying
Only joking – I was tricking you! I really wanted to invite you in person. You’ll be the guest of honour along with my parents! Would you like to come?

Neil
Of course! I’d love to, and I promise not to cramp your style.

Jiaying
I know you wouldn’t – just don’t bring the parrot. Bye!

Neil
Bye!