短语中的 sponge 是动词(原义为“用海绵吸”),on 是介词,后接依赖的对象(人或物)。
基本结构:主语 + sponge on + 宾语(sb./sth.)
1、 依赖家人:
He’s been sponging on his parents since he quit his job.
(他辞职后一直靠父母接济生活。)
2、 依赖朋友:
Stop sponging on your friends—get a job and support yourself!
(别再靠朋友养着了——找份工作自力更生!)
3、 依赖系统/资源(较少见,但可指“蹭用”):
Some people sponge on the welfare system without trying to work.
(有些人不努力工作,光靠福利系统过日子。)
live off(更中性,但也可表“依赖”):He lives off his savings.(他靠积蓄生活。)
leech off(更贬义,像“水蛭”一样依附):She’s leeching off her boyfriend for free rent.(她靠男友蹭免费房租。)
该短语非正式,多用于口语或批评场景(隐含“不劳而获”的负面态度);
不能用于褒义或中性的“依赖”(如“依赖技术”应说 rely on technology)。
简单总结:sponge on = 靠…“蹭吃蹭喝”/接济(贬),记住“依赖他人生活”的核心,搭配“人/物”即可。