| 释义 |
nettle /ˈnetl/●grasp the ˈnettle (BrE) deal with a difficult matter, firmly and with courage 果断地处理棘手问题◆The government will have to grasp the nettle. If they don’t, the traffic congestion is going to get out of control.政府将不得不对此事采取果断的手段。若非如此，交通堵塞问题将一发不可收拾。 ORIGIN This expression refers to the belief that if you touch a nettle (= a plant with leaves that sting) lightly, you will be hurt, but not if you take a firm hold of it. 这个表达法原指这样的观念：轻触荨麻（nettle）时会产生刺痛感，但若用力去抓反而不痛。 |