英汉互译中的谚语巧合(二)
1.World is but a little place, after all.
天涯原咫尺,到处可逢君
Explanation: it is used when a person meets someone he knows or is in
someway connected with him in a place where he would never have expected to
do so.
Example: Who would have thought I would bump into an old schoolmate on a
trek up Mount Tai. The world is but a little place after all.
2. When in Rome, do as the Romans do.
入乡随俗
Explanation: conform to the manners and customs of those amongst whom you
live.
Example: I know you have egg and bacon for breakfast at home, but now you
are on the Continent you will do as the Romans do and take coffee and rolls.
3. What you lose on the swings you get back on the roundabouts.
失之东隅,收之桑榆
Explanation: a rough way of starting a law of average; if you have bad luck
on one day you have good on another; if one venture results in loss try a
fresh one---it may succeed.
Example: he may always possess merits which make up for everything; if he