内容简介

Helen 被手机公司的合约问题搞得心情特别糟，Neil 很同情她，并用了一个英语表达形象地描述了这种令人心烦的事情。这个表达是什么呢？

文字稿

（关于台词的备注: 请注意这不是广播节目的逐字稿件。本文稿可能没有体现录制、编辑过程中对节目做出的改变。）

Neil
Hello welcome to Authentic Real English from BBC Learning English. I’m Neil.

Helen
大家好，欢迎收听《地道英语》。我是 Helen。

Neil
Helen, you look a bit upset? What's the matter? Have I done something wrong?

Helen
Oh, it’s not you. 因为我以前的手机公司。我的手机从以前那家公司转出来都快半年了，他们还从我帐户里扣钱。我联系客服中心，根本就不搭理我。浪费我好多时间。

Neil
Oh, no, I know what you mean. These mobile phone companies are a nightmare to deal with. They are a real pain in the neck.

Helen
Pain in your neck? 你现在脖子疼？真不好意思，我这手机合约的事儿也影响到了你。看你的座椅好像不是很舒服。要不你跟我换一下吧。

Neil
No, I’m alright. My neck is a bit stiff but ok. When people say pain in the neck, it means something or someone is annoying, actually very annoying for a long time.

Helen
原来你说脖子疼，其实是一个比喻，意思是令人心烦，让人讨厌的事情或人。和这种公司打交道特别让人心烦。你可真说对了，我真的是被这些人给气死了。

Neil
Well, here are a few more examples of how this expression can be used.

Examples

Sam is so disruptive in the class, he’s a pain in the neck to deal with.

Completing this tax form is a real pain in the neck, there are so many boxes to fill in.

The telesales people are a real pain in the neck, they keep ringing me.

Helen
Well, I am really really really annoyed by the mobile phone company. They are a real pain in the neck to deal with.

Neil
My suggestion is that if they are still taking money out of your account Helen, threaten them with legal action.

Helen
看来我真得写封信，说要采取法律行动他们可能才会理我。Thanks for the tip.

Neil
You’re welcome.