老外問「What is your Line?」,不是想加Line(三)
「線」一般都很細,on the Line處在線上,就有一種很窘迫的意味,因此又可以引申為立刻行動、情況緊急:
★ If this goes wrong, you will put your job on the Line.
(錯)事情沒弄好,你就得在線上完成。
(對)事情沒弄好,你就有丟飯碗的危險。
★ I can pay cash on the Line.
(錯)我可以用Line付錢。
(對)我可以立刻付現。
3、「out of Line」 vs 「in Line」
Out of Line就字面意思是在線以外,既在線外,自然就有「不合適、不一致」,或是「不恰當、踰越分際」。
★ His ideas are out of Line with reality.
他的想法不切實際。
★ Your behavior is quite out of Line. I shall report you.
你的行為不當。我會告發你。
相對地,in Line就是「可接受的、守規矩的、不惹事生非」。
★ Those prices are about in Line.
那種價格還是可以接受的。
★ How did you keep your kids in Line?
你是怎麼讓孩子乖乖聽話的?
4、「Be in Line for」
In Line如果加了for,就多了一層意思,是「有資格得到,非常有可能會」,是很口語化的表達:
★ Rachel was reported to be in Line for the job of general manager.
據說瑞秋有可能升任總經理。
★ My boss has been praising my leadership skills. I think I might be next in Line for a managerial position.
我老闆一直稱讚我的領導能力,我想我應該是下一個主管人選。