"take one's measure" 是一个多义短语,核心含义围绕“评估/衡量”,可分为字面义和比喻义,其中比喻义更常用。
指用工具测量人的身高、腰围等身体尺寸,常见于裁缝、制衣场景。
结构:`take + 某人's + measure`(主语通常是测量者,如tailor、designer等)
例句:
The tailor took my measure for a custom-made dress.(裁缝为我量尺寸做定制连衣裙。)
Before making the suit, he carefully took his client's measure.(做西装前,他仔细量了客户的尺寸。)
更常见的引申义,指通过观察、互动等方式准确判断某人的本质(如可靠性、能力水平、真实意图等)。
结构:
`take + 某人's + measure`
也可表达为 `take the measure of sb`(更正式,含义一致)
场景:常用于初次见面、职场评估、竞争对抗等需要“识人”的情境。
例句:
She took his measure immediately and knew he wasn't to be trusted.(她立刻看穿了他的本性,知道他不可信。)
The manager quickly took the measure of the new intern and assigned him suitable tasks.(经理很快评估了新实习生的能力,给他分配了合适的任务。)
It only took a few minutes for the coach to take the measure of the opposing team.(教练只用了几分钟就摸清了对手的实力。)
主语:通常是“评估者”(如人、机构),强调主动判断的过程;
宾语:聚焦被评估的对象(某人的“本质”或“实力”);
同义替换:可与 `size sb up`(非正式)或 `assess sb's character/ability`(正式)互换,如:
The interviewer sized up the candidate = The interviewer took the candidate's measure.(面试官评估了候选人。)
"take one's measure" 最核心的用法是“判断某人的真实水平/性格”,字面的“量尺寸”则是具体场景下的用法。掌握时需结合语境区分,但日常交流中比喻义更常用。