Neil
Hello, I'm Neil.
Feifei
大家好，我是冯菲菲。欢迎收听BBC英语教学的《地道英语》。
Neil
What's in that bag, Feifei?
Feifei
Oh this – it's a box of the best washing powder there is – Dazzlebright non-bio washing powder!
Neil
And why will I need that?
Feifei
Well, at the meeting earlier – when John suggested that we all wore suits to work – you said his idea 'won't wash' with the team – so here's some washing powder to help you make it wash.
Neil
It's a kind thought – but I won't need it. When I said 'it won't wash' I meant his idea is unconvincing and won't work.
Feifei
哦，原来是这个意思。刚才开会的时候约翰提议大家每天都穿西装上班，但尼尔说这个提议“won’t wash”，所以我才拿了 washing powder “洗衣粉”给他。
Neil
You see, this phrase originally referred to fabrics that were not good quality and wouldn't last long when they were washed. But now it's about someone's idea or suggestion not lasting very long because people won't believe it or accept it.
Feifei
所以现在“it won’t wash”这个说法的意思就是“某事没有说服力，站不住脚”，所以人们不会接受它。
Neil
Let's hear some examples.
>>Examples
Your excuses for not finishing your essay won't wash with me – you've missed your deadline and that's that.
The boss's idea to work an extra hour everyday won't wash with the team – they'll be furious.
Just saying you've got a cold won't wash with your fans – they've paid a lot of money to come and see you perform.
Feifei
表达“it won’t wash”的意思就是“it won’t work”。一件事情经不起考验，没有说服力，站不住脚，那么我们就可以说“it won’t wash”或“it doesn’t wash”。Neil，其实我知道这个说法的意思。
Neil
So why did you bring in the washing powder?
Feifei
Well I know how scruffy our team members are – and if we do have to start wearing suits, they'll all need a good wash. Erm, did you have curry last night?
Neil
Yeah – why do you ask?
Feifei
There's a big yellow stain on your jumper – just there. Here, why not test out use my Dazzlebright washing powder – 'it makes your old clothes look like new!'
Neil
Hmm, thanks.
Both
Bye.
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