Lesson 8 Falling behind (欠帐)

Dialogue

Cindy: I'm breaking my neck at two jobs so I don't fall behind in my bills.

Gilda: Maybe you better face up to the fact that you can't enjoy life to the hilt.

Cindy: I'll go over my budget again. Don't fly off the handle if my check bounces.

Gilda: I'm sure it will clear but if you want, I'll give you some money to tide you over.

Vocabulary

break one's neck v.) try very hard

fall behind v.) not be able to keep up, fail to maintain a schedule or rate of speed

face up to v.) accept something unpleasant or difficult

to the hilt adv.) completely, to the limit

go over v.) examine

fly off the handle v.) get angry

bounce v.) not be acceptable because of insufficient funds in the bank ( said of checks)

clear v.) go through, meet the requirements

tide someone over v.) help someone through a shortage

Lesson 9 When the Chips Are Down (紧要关头)

Dialogue

Tom: I can't believe I'm down and out. I'm living hand to mouth and pinching pennies.

Pat: You can always turn to me when the chips are down.

Tom: I don't want any handouts. I don't mooch off anyone.

Pat: Just sit tight. You'll get out from under.

Vocabulary

Down and out adj.) having no money, no success

Hand to mouth adv. Or adj.) barely able to cover daily expenses

Pinch pennies v.) be thrifty, careful how you spend money

Turn to v.) go to for help

When the chips are down adv.) at the worst time, when one faces the biggest obstacles

Handout n.) charity

Mooch v.) borrow, beg, get without paying

Sit tight v.) wait patiently

Get out from under v.) end a worrisome situation