Western Wonderful Sayings.1

Author: Sima Zhuang
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2001-01-01
Features: This book collects over two hundred Western idioms and proverbs commonly used, all accompanied by humorous illustrations. The content is both entertaining and light-hearted, making it easier to remember and adding to the joy of learning. Readers can acquire authentic English in a fun and engaging way, achieving twice the benefit with half the effort. The table of contents is arranged in alphabetical order for easy reference.
ABACK-HANDED COMPLIMENT
Ronald has lost his title as the strongest man in the world. He is now congratulating the man who won—but as you can see, he is giving him a back-handed compliment. This is a remark that sounds like a compliment but is said sarcastically.
"Well done. I should have done better," the ex-champion said, offering a back-handed compliment.
COMPLIMENT refers to praise given in words or actions. However, "ABACK-HANDED COMPLIMENT" is a backhanded, sarcastic form of praise.
ABAD WORKMAN ALWAYS BLAMES HIS TOOLS
People who do bad or careless work sometimes blame their tools, materials, or equipment instead of blaming themselves. That’s why we say "a bad workman always blames his tools."
"Why do you say you failed the examination because your pen leaked ink? Don’t you know that a bad workman always blames his tools?"
The meaning of "ABAD WORKMAN ALWAYS BLAMES HIS TOOLS" is as literal as it sounds: "A bad craftsman blames only his poor tools." It describes how some people perform poorly or work carelessly, not blaming themselves but blaming poor tools, materials, or equipment.
ABED OF THORNS
This expression is used to describe a particularly difficult situation or a thoroughly unhappy time.
"I’m sorry I changed jobs. My new one is proving to be a bed of thorns."
"Too often, it’s a bed of thorns trying to get on a bus during rush hour."
THORN means "briar" or "prickle." "ABED OF THORNS" refers to an extremely difficult situation or a very unpleasant period.