“全神贯注”的重要性
📖 逐句对照翻译
And now, Words and Their Stories, from VOA Learning English.
现在是VOA学英语的《词汇掌故》节目。
Technology is always progressing.
科技总是在进步。
Today, many modern devices can be controlled by touch or voice.
如今，许多现代设备都可以通过触摸或语音来控制。
This has led to some traditional electronic controls – such as dials and switches – being replaced with new technologies.
这导致一些传统的电子控制装置——如旋钮和开关——被新技术所取代。
Digital displays have also become increasingly common.
数字显示器也变得越来越普遍。
For example, digital number readouts have long replaced the hands on many clocks.
例如，数字读数早已在许多时钟上取代了指针。
Many other devices also now operate purely with digital tools instead of mechanical systems.
许多其他设备现在也完全依靠数字工具运行，而非机械系统。
But some expressions and idioms used by English speakers still describe older technologies.
但英语使用者使用的一些表达和习语仍然描述的是较老的技术。
First, let’s talk about dials.
首先，我们来谈谈表盘。
These controls are used for changing settings on a piece of equipment, like a radio or old television.
这些控件用于更改设备上的设置，比如收音机或老式电视机。
We use the dial to tune in to a specific channel.
我们用旋钮调谐到特定的频道。
That’s where the expressions dialed in and tuned in come from.
这就是“dialed in”和“tuned in”这两个表达的来源。
If we are dialed in or tuned in to a radio or television program, we can hear it clearly.
如果我们调准了收音机或电视机的频道，就能清楚地听到节目。
There is no noise or static.
没有噪音或静电。
The same can be said when using these terms in personal conversations.
在个人对话中使用这些术语时也是如此。
For example, if you are dialed in to a project or problem, you know exactly what needs to be done.
例如，如果你全神贯注于一个项目或问题，你就确切知道需要做什么。
You are thinking clearly about it and remain very focused.
你对此思考得很清晰，并且保持高度专注。
And when you are tuned in, you understand clearly what is going on around you.
当你全神贯注时，你就能清楚地了解周围发生的一切。
“Don’t touch that dial” and “stay tuned” are two ways to tell someone to keep watching or listening to a program.
“别换台”和“继续收看”是告诉别人继续观看或收听节目的两种说法。
Now, let’s talk about switches.
现在，我们来谈谈交换机。
These are built to either be off or on.
这些被设计为要么关闭，要么开启。
There are no in-between settings like with a dial.
不像旋钮那样有中间设置。
So, when we flip the switch, we make something happen quickly and easily.
所以，当我们按下开关时，就能迅速且轻松地促成某事发生。
It can also mean that we suddenly change something.
它也可以表示我们突然改变了某件事。
Let’s listen to an example.
让我们听一个例子。
The restaurant’s change to all organic food happened slowly over time.
这家餐厅向全有机食品的转变是随着时间慢慢发生的。
It wasn’t a matter of flipping a switch.
这不是一蹴而就的事。
Now, for our last expression -- to move the needle.
现在，来看我们最后一个表达——to move the needle。
Needles on measuring devices like a scale move to show a desired level has been reached.
像秤这样的测量设备上的指针会移动，以显示已达到所需的水平。
So, when something moves the needle, it causes a noticeable change in something, usually for the good.
所以，当某件事“move the needle”时，它意味着引起了明显的改变，通常是往好的方向发展。
And that’s all the time we have for this Words and Their Stories.
以上就是我们这一期《词汇与故事》的全部时间。
Don't forget to tune in again for another story about American English expressions.
别忘了再次收听关于美式英语表达的另一则故事。
Until next time, I’m Anna Matteo.
下次见，我是安娜·马特奥。
Anna Matteo wrote this story for VOA Learning English.
安娜·马特奥为VOA英语学习频道撰写了这篇故事。
