对话文字:
Amy: Test subject D7, aka Besty, fear response study. Image number one: Frenchman on bicycle carrying baguettes.
Amy: No visible reaction. Image number two: Sousaphone.
Amy: Still no reaction. Okay. *Let’s kick things up a notch. Image number three: crocodile with a mouthful of monkeys. Okay, now we’re talking.
Sheldon: Dr. Fowler?
Amy: What do you want, Sheldon?
Sheldon: Well, I’m done with work, so…
Amy: Oh, sorry, sorry, sorry. Sorry, uh… Better?
Sheldon: Oh, baguettes. Yes, I like baguettes. What exactly are you doing?
Amy: Determining baseline fear levels in capuchin monkeys by measuring their response to visual stimuli.
Sheldon: So, goofing off. As I was saying, I’m done with work and Leonard’ s not. So good new, you get to take me home. *Play your cards right, I’ll let you drive me past the lot where the buses park at night.
Amy: I’m very busy. Besides, why would I want to do you a favor after the way you treated me in the cafeteria?
Amy: Image number four: boa constrictor.
对话精讲:
*kick things up a notch: 这是一个非常口语化的说法。Amy做实验,测试小猴子对不同图片的反应,可是小猴子对前两张图都无动于衷。所以,Amy说,“Let’s kick things up a notch. ” 这里的意思就是要加大点图片的刺激强度。口语中,人们也会说”Kick it up a notch“, 可以用在不同的情况之中,意思都表示要让事情更有趣、更让人兴奋,提高强度。比如在做菜时,你可以说:kick it up a notch with fresh garlic (放些鲜蒜提味)。
*play your cards right: 玩牌的时候,你是不是要绞尽脑汁、费尽心机地洞察牌局,再琢磨如何出牌?这个短语从字面上与打牌有关,意思就是“做事有心计、办事高明”。 例如:If you play your cards right, the job could be yours when she leaves. (如果你够有心计,等她走了,这个工作就是你的了。)