Language Point 1
A Good Heart to Lean On (title)
Meaning: A good heart to depend on for support and encouragement. Notice that in this sense, "lean" is used with the preposition "on".
They always lean on us when they are in trouble. 他们有困难时总寻求我们的支持。
The minister leaned on his advisers for support. 这位部长依靠他的顾问支持。
Language Point 2
More than I realized, Dad has helped me keep my balance. (subtitle)
keep my balance: keep the even or equal state of my mind or feelings or body
Language Point 3
When I was growing up, ... (Para. 1)
Meaning: When I was developing from a child to a man; before I had become adult
Language Point 4
...his hand on my arm for balance... (Para. 1)
Meaning:... his hand was on my arm for balance or with his hand on my arm for balance
for balance: so as to spread his weight evenly
Language Point 5
I would inwardly struggle at the unwanted attention. (Para. 1)
Meaning: In the mind I would battle my negative feelings about the attention which I didn't want.
Language Point 6
If he ever noticed or was bothered, he never let on. (Para. 1)
Meaning: If he at any time noticed or felt troubled by this, he would never let anyone see or know how he felt.
Language Point 7
It was difficult to coordinate our steps - his halting, mine impatient -... (Para. 2)
Meaning: It was difficult for us to take our steps together, because his steps were halting or stopping and starting as if uncertain, and my steps wanted to move faster.
Language Point 8
You set the pace. I will try to adjust to you. (Para. 2)
Meaning: You decide the speed of walking and I will try to change my speed and keep up to yours.
set the pace: fix the speed
The fast runner set the pace, and the others followed. 跑得较快的赛跑者决定步速, 其他的人则跟着跑。
adjust to: change a little to make right or suitable for a particular situation or purpose. Notice here "adjust" is very often used with "to".
My eyes haven't adjusted to the dark in the room yet. 我的眼睛还未适应房间中的黑暗。
If you travel into space in a spaceship, you must adjust (yourself) to weightlessness. 如果你乘航天飞船进入太空, 你必须调整自己, 以适应失重状态。
Language Point 9
He went to work sick, ... (Para. 3)
Meaning: He went to work even when he was ill.
Here the adjective "sick" should be understood in the context as "when he was sick".
Look at the use of the adjective "hungry" in the following example:
He went to bed hungry last night. 他昨夜饿着肚子上床睡觉。
More examples of this kind:
The tomatoes should be picked green. 这些西红柿应该青的时候摘。
I can't drink it hot. 它太烫, 我没法喝。
Language Point 10
...despite nasty weather. (Para. 3)
Meaning: even with terrible weather; although the weather was very bad. Notice that no "of" is used after "despite". Look at the following sentences:
I went out despite (or in spite of) the rain. 虽然下着雨, 我还是出了门。
Despite (or In spite of) mistakes and weaknesses, it is a good composition. 尽管有错误和不足, 这还是一篇好作文。
Language Point 11
He almost never missed a day. (Para.3)
Meaning: He was almost never away from work, even for one day.
Language Point 12
...and would make it to the office even if others could not. (Para. 3)
Meaning: arrive in time at the office even if others could not.
make it: This phrase has two meanings, 1) arrive in time 2) succeed with efforts
I think we'll just make it! 我想我们会及时到达!
It's hard to make it to the top in the show business. 想在演艺圈出人头地, 殊非易事。
Language Point 13
...on a child's wagon with steel runners to the subway entry. (Para. 4)
a child's wagon with steel runners: a wagon or sleigh for children with thin, steel blades under it (下面装有钢制滑板的儿童用雪橇)
Language Point 14
Once there, he would cling to the hand-rail... (Para. 4)
Meaning: Once (= As soon as) he got there, he would hold on to the hand-rail for support.
"Once" as a conjunction introduces an adverbial clause in which the subject and the verb "be" can often be omitted. Look at the following example:
Once (they are) in bed, the children usually go to sleep very quickly. 一上床, 这些孩子通常很快就睡着了。
cling to: hold tightly; refuse to let go
They clung to one another for support. 他们互相紧抓住对方, 以相互支撑。
She still clings to the idea that her son is alive. 她仍抱着一个信念: 儿子还活着。
Language Point 15
... the lower steps that the warmer tunnel air kept free of ice. (Para. 4)
Meaning: the lower steps that the warmer tunnel air kept without ice.
free of (or: from): without (something or someone unwanted); safe from; untroubled or not marked by.
Look at the following two examples:
The old lady is never free of (or: from) pain. 那位老妇人一直在遭受痛苦。
Meals are provided free of charge. 膳食免费供应。
Language Point 16
When I think of it now, I am amazed at how much courage it must have taken ...(Para. 5)
Meaning: When I think of it now, I feel greatly surprised at how much courage it must have taken ...
Notice that "be amazed" is used together with "at" or "by". Look at the following example:
I was amazed at / by her calmness. 她的镇静自若令我吃惊。
But "be amazed" can also be followed by to-infinitive or that-clause. In these two cases we can not use any preposition:
We were amazed to hear that she passed the test without much difficulty. 听说她轻而易举地通过了考试, 我们都很惊奇。
I was amazed that you were leaving. 你要离开, 我很吃惊。
If "be amazed" is complemented by a how-clause, use of the preposition "at" or "by" is a choice:
You would be amazed (at / by) how difficult the job was. 你要是知道那件任务有多难, 你会大吃一惊的。
In the above sentence, the preposition "at" or "by" can be left out in written English.
Language Point 17
... subject himself to such shame and stress. (Para. 5)
Meaning: experience such shame and stress
subject (one / oneself) to: cause to experience or suffer.
The officials subjected him to the worst possible punishment. 当局给予他最严厉的惩罚。
He was subjected to torture. 他受到了严刑拷打。
The scientists subjected the product to a number of severe tests. 科学家对这种产品进行了数次严格测试。
Language Point 18
And at how he did it - without bitterness or complaint. (Para. 5)
Meaning: (I am amazed) at how he subjected himself to shame and stress without anger and ill will or expressing feelings of annoyance or dissatisfaction.
Language Point 19
He never talked about himself as an object of pity, nor did he show any envy of the more fortunate or able. (Para. 6)
Meaning: He never talked about himself as an object of being pitied and he did not show any envy of the more fortunate or able-bodied (= strong and active) people either. "Nor" is used here to introduce a second negative statement which is added to the first one. Notice the use of the past auxiliary "did" and the reversed order between "did" and the subject "he". Look at the following examples:
I have never been dishonest, nor do I plan to start being so now. 我从来没有不诚实过, 现在我也不打算开始破这个例。
I have never been to Paris, nor has my wife. 我从未去过巴黎, 我妻子也没去过。
envy: After "envy" we can use prepositions "of", "at" or "towards", but keep the same meaning:
He was filled with envy at my success. 他非常羡慕我的成功。
He finds it difficult to hide his envy of his brother's success. 他很难掩饰对自己兄弟成功的妒忌。
The word "envy" can also be used to mean "object of envy" (羡慕的目标). Look at the following example:
Their beautiful garden is the envy of all the neighbours.所有邻居都羡慕他们美丽的花园。
Language Point 20
...the more fortunate or able. (Para. 6)
the more fortunate or able: the more fortunate or able-bodied people.
In English "the" followed by an adjective can often refer generally to people with the quality shown by that adjective. Look at the following example:
The rich should help the poor. 富人应该帮助穷人。
Language Point 21
What he looked for was a "good heart", ... (Para. 6)
a "good heart": this phrase is used to refer to the kind, honest and generous nature of a person.
Language Point 22
Now that I am older, I believe .... (Para. 7)
Meaning: Because I am older, I believe... .
Here "now that" is used as a conjunction, meaning "since" when we are talking about the effect of an event or change. This conjunction can be shortened to "now". For example:
Now (that) John has arrived, we can begin. 既然约翰来了, 我们可以开始了。
Now (that) she's found him, she'll never let him go. 既然她找到了他, 就决不会放他走了。
I like him a lot now (that) he's older. 他现在老了, 我倒十分喜欢他。
Language Point 23
... I believe that is a proper standard by which to judge people, ... (Para. 7)
Meaning: I believe that is a proper standard by which I can judge people.
Notice that in this sentence "by which to judge people" is a relative clause in which the finite verb structure is replaced by an infinitive verb. This is a very common structure in English:
I don't know which way to go (= which way we should go) to reach the nearest branch of the City Bank. 我不知道走哪条路才能找到离这里最近的城市银行分行。
He was not able to explain how to go on (= how we should go on) with the experiment. 他说不清该如何继续进行这项实验。
Language Point 24
But I know the times I don't have one myself. (Para. 7)
Meaning: But I know the times when I don't have a "good heart" myself.
Notice that in the sentence, the relative adverb "when" has been left out after "the times". This is common when the relative clause is modifying a time expression. Look at the following example:
The day I arrived was Thursday. 我到的那天是星期四。
The sentence is understood : The day that I arrived was Thursday; or The day when I arrived was Thursday; or The day on which I arrived was Thursday.
Language Point 25
Unable to engage in many activities, ... (Para. 8)
Meaning: Although he was unable to engage in many activities, ...
Here the adjectival phrase "Unable to ..." is a clause showing concession. In English adjectives or adjectival phrases are often used, especially at the beginning of a sentence, to show reason, concession, etc. More examples are:
Glad to accept, the boy nodded his agreement. 那男孩乐意接受, 点头表示同意。
Anxious for a quick decision, the chairman called for a vote. 主席急于快速作出决定, 要求投票表决。
Rather nervous, the man opened the letter. 那个人很紧张地拆开了信。
Language Point 26
...in some way... (Para. 8)
Meaning: in a certain manner
He is a clever man in some way. 在某种意义上讲, 他是个聪明人。
Please compare this phrase with "in a way" (= to some degree) and "in no way" (= not at all). Please compare the following examples:
In a way, he is right in saying so. 在某种程度上讲, 他这样说是对的。
In a way, these officers were prisoners themselves.在某种程度上讲, 这些狱吏本身也是囚犯。
You can in no way allow this situation to continue. 你决不能允许这种情况再继续下去。
Language Point 27
He was a knowledgeable baseball fan and often took me to see the Brooklyn Dodgers play. (Para. 8)
Notice that after some verbs of physical senses, such as see, watch, hear, notice, etc, the infinitive verb is used without to:
Did you see / notice him go out? 你见他出去了吗?
I heard her sing in the next room last night. 昨夜我听见她在隔壁房间唱歌。
The policeman saw the man open the window. 警察看见那男子打开窗子。
Language Point 28
... where he could have a good time just sitting and watching. (Para. 8)
Meaning: ... where he could enjoy himself by just sitting and watching.
Notice that "have a good time" is followed immediately by -ing verb phrases without any preposition in between. In English "have a good (hard, difficult, etc.) time" is usually followed directly by -ing verb phrases without using any preposition. Look at the following examples:
I had a hard time finding you. 我费好大劲才找到你。
She had a difficult time persuading him to accept the job. 她好不容易劝说他接受了那份工作。
In Spain she had a good time swimming and sun-bathing on the beach. 在西班牙, 她又游泳又在海滩上晒太阳, 过得很愉快。
Language Point 29
He wasn't content to sit and watch, ... (Para. 9)
Meaning: He wasn't happy or satisfied just by sitting and watching.
The adjective "content" is often used with a with-phrase or followed by an infinitive phrase:
I am not content with beautiful dreams: I want beautiful realities. 我不满足于美丽的梦想, 我要的是美丽的现实。
He's perfectly content to live in a simple room and to paint pictures all day. 身居陋室, 整日作画, 他对此已完全心满意足了。
Language Point 30
... but he couldn't stand unaided on the soft sand. (Para. 9)
Meaning: ... but he couldn't stand on the soft sand without help
The adjective "unaided" is used here showing a condition - without help.
Language Point 31
In frustration ... (Para. 9)
Meaning: in annoyed disappointment and without satisfaction.
This is a prepositional phrase showing manner. Look at the following example:
She screamed out in frustration. 她绝望地尖声大叫。
Language Point 32
...any fighter was urged to take a dive before the fight began. (Para. 10)
take a dive: agree to lose a fight or game dishonestly, especially a boxing match.
This is a slang expression, often used as a metaphor, meaning "to pretend defeat", as it is used in this sentence.
The phrase comes from professional boxing when one boxer is paid in secret by gamblers to lose, so the gambler can win their bets(赌注).
Language Point 33
When I joined the Navy, ... (Para. 11)
Meaning: When I became a member of the Navy, ... . More examples:
He joined the Labour Party when he left the university. 他离开大学后加入了工党。
He joined the army without first getting permission from his parents. 他在为征求父母同意的情况下参了军。
When "join" means "take part in some activity", the verb should be used with "in". Look at the following examples:
We all joined in the singing. 我们一起唱起了歌。
Will all of you join with me in drinking a toast to the success of this business! 请诸位和我一起为企业的成功干杯!
Language Point 34
And when I came home on leave, he saw to it that I visited his office. (Para. 11)
Meaning: And when I came home from the Navy for a holiday, he made sure that I visited his office.
The verb phrase "see to" means "take care, make sure". When this phrase is followed by a that-clause, we can either say "... see to it that-clause" or simply "... see that-clause". Please look at the following examples:
Father saw to it that much of my spare time was not wasted.父亲极力注意不让我的许多业余时间白白浪费。
See that you are not late again. 务请注意不要再迟到。
Language Point 35
Introducing me, he was really saying, ... (Para. 11)
Meaning: When he was introducing me, he was really saying, ... . In English, -ing verb phrases very often are used as adverbials showing time, condition, reason, etc. without using any conjunctions. Please read:
Hearing the sad news, the mother collapsed. (= When she heard the sad news, ....)听到这一不幸消息, 母亲悲痛欲绝。
Knowing English well, he translated the article without much difficulty. (= Because he knows English well, ...) 因为英文好, 他翻译这篇文章易如反掌。
Language Point 36
...and I could have done this, too, if things had been different. (Para. 11)
Meaning: I could have done this, too, if I had not been severely crippled like this.
In this sentence, the if-clause expresses a condition just the opposite of the real situation. Please watch the use of the past perfect tense in the sentence. More examples are:
If he had studied hard last term, he would not have failed in the final test. 要是上学期努力, 那大考他就不会不及格了。
If I had taken the doctor's advice and rested for a few days, I should have completely recovered by now. 要是我听医生劝告, 休息几天, 我现在该完全恢复了。
Language Point 37
He has been gone many years now, ... (Para. 12)
Meaning: He has been dead for many years now.
"Be gone" is a more pleasant, less direct way of saying "be dead". This use of language is called euphemism.
Language Point 38
I think of him when I complain about trifles, ... (Para. 12)
Meaning: I think of him when I express feelings of unhappiness about unimportant things.
Notice how to use the verb "complain". We can say complain about something or complain to somebody. Here are more examples.
He complained about the food to me. (or: He complained to me about the food.) 他向我抱怨饭菜不好。
They never complain about working extra time to anybody. 他们加班加点工作, 从不向任何人抱怨。
When "complain" means "say that one has a pain, illness, etc.", the preposition "of" is usually used. Please read the following sentences:
He went to the doctor complaining of the difficulty in breathing. 他去找医生, 说自己呼吸有困难。
The little boy complained of pains in his stomach. 那小孩直叫肚子疼。
Language Point 39
... I am envious of another's good fortune, ... (Para. 12)
Meaning: I am feeling envy at another's good luck.
Notice that after "envious" we use the preposition "of". Read the following example:
I am very envious of your new job. 我十分羡慕你的新工作。