“适可而止”常见的英文表达有 “stop at the right point”、“know when to stop” 或 “go too far and you'll regret it (implied meaning, expressing the idea of not overdoing it)” ,不过更常用且简洁精准的翻译是 “stop while you're ahead” 或 “moderation in all things” 。以下为你具体分析:
含义:字面意思是“在你领先时停下”,引申为“见好就收,适可而止”,强调在取得一定成果或处于有利地位时,及时停止,避免过度冒险或贪婪导致不利后果。
例句:You've made a good profit on this investment. It's time to stop while you're ahead.(你在这次投资中已经赚了不少钱,是时候适可而止了。)
含义:意思是“凡事都要适度”,表达一种在所有事情上都保持适度、不过度的生活哲学或处事原则。
例句:The doctor advised him to practice moderation in all things, including eating and drinking.(医生建议他在所有事情上都要适度,包括饮食。)
“draw the line”:表示“划定界限,适可而止”,侧重于设定一个明确的限度,超过这个限度就不再继续。
例句:I have to draw the line somewhere. I can't keep working overtime.(我必须在某个地方划定界限,我不能一直加班。)
“not overdo it”:意思是“不要做得太过分,适可而止”,强调不要过度行事。
例句:Enjoy the party, but don't overdo it.(尽情享受派对,但不要做得太过分。)