[圖片來源：Getty Images]

內容簡介

主持人 Neil 接連買了很多輛新款自行車，花錢止不住。菲菲用了與剎車有關的術語表達 “put the brakes on” 來建議 Neil 控制消費。聽他們的對話，學習這個表達的用法。

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。）

Feifei
Hello! 歡迎收聽 “地道英語” 節目。我是馮菲菲。

Neil
… and hello, I am Neil.

Feifei
Neil，我看你今天是不是騎了一輛嶄新的自行車？

Neil
It was – thank you for noticing. It’s a racing bike with 21 gears and ‘go faster’ stripes on it.

Feifei
Nice! 不過你上周不是剛買了一輛新的山地車嗎？

Neil
I did – to go with the spare one I bought last month. I love bikes!

Feifei
Neil, if you don’t mind me saying – you need to put the brakes on your spending.

Neil
Err, you want me to slow down? You think I’ll got too fast?

Feifei
Not exactly. 我剛剛說 “put the brakes on your spending” 的意思是讓你控制一下你的消費，在花錢這件事情上 “剎剎車”。短語 “put the brakes on something” 或者 “to put a brake on something” 的意思是 “放慢或停止一件事情、一項活動”。So, Neil, would you like to hear some other people putting their brakes on something?

Neil
Will it cost me anything?

Feifei
No. They’re free!

Examples
We’ve put the brakes on our plans to expand the business – there’s not enough demand any more.

Let’s put the brakes on our holiday plans – we haven’t got enough money at the moment.

The company is putting the brakes on recruitment because of the economic downturn.

Feifei
這里是 BBC英語教學的 “地道英語” 節目。我們正在學習表達 “put the brakes on something”。我們用 “put the brakes on something” 來告訴人們 “放慢、控制或停止做某事”，就像在開車時踩剎車，讓車速降下來。And Neil, I think you’re buying too many bikes. You need to put the brakes on your spending.

Neil
Good advice, Feifei! You know what? I’m going to sell them – what do I need three bikes for?

Feifei
Finally, Neil has listened to me. He’s going to sell his bikes!

Neil
That’s right. I’m going to put the brakes on cycling and start a new hobby… I’m going to get an e-scooter – much quicker!

Feifei
More spending! I’m going to put a brake on giving you advice – you never listen.

Neil
Sorry, what did you say?

Feifei
Bye, Neil!