1.表述：lame duck

释义：Someone or something that needs help.（需要帮助的人，无用的人）

例句：The company started as a lame duck that was saved by an innovative entrepreneur who decided to take some risks and go in a new direction.

这家公司开始时是一家濒临破产的公司，但是被一个有创新精神的企业家拯救了，他决定冒险，走一条新的路。

The water plant is a lame duck and the worker reacted with anger and frustration to the closure of the factory.

这家水产公司倒闭了，工人们对此感到十分气愤和失望。

2.表述：fly in the ointment

释义： A small, unpleasant matter that spoils something. （美中不足）

例句：The only fly in the ointment in an otherwise perfect wedding day was the fact that the bride tripped when walking down the aisle.

唯一美中不足的是，在一个完美的婚礼上，新娘走下通道时绊倒了。

We enjoyed the play, but the fly in the ointment was not being able to find my hat afterward.

我们很喜欢这出戏，但美中不足的是后来找不到我的帽子。

It sounds like a good idea but there must be a fly in the ointment somewhere.

这主意听起来不错，但肯定有美中不足的地方。

I like the house but the fly in the ointment is that the commute is a little far away from my company.

我喜欢那套房子，但美中不足的是离公司有点远。

3. 表述：white elephant

释义： An expensive item that is troublesome or useless. （昂贵而无用的重物）

例句：At first, Eve was excited to inherit the farm, but it soon proved to be a white elephant she couldn't afford.

起初，伊芙很高兴能继承这个农场，但很快就发现它是一个她负担不起的累赘。

Bob's father-in-law has given him an old Rolls Royce, but it's a real white elephant. He has no place to park it and can't afford the gas for it.

鲍勃的岳父给了他一辆旧的劳斯莱斯汽车，可是那辆车真是个累赘。他没有地方停车，也买不起汽油。

Those antique vases Aunt Mary gave me are white elephants. They're ugly and I have no place to put them.

玛丽阿姨给我的那些古董花瓶真是累赘。它们很丑，我没有地方放它们。