slow boat to China 做某件事需要花费很长的时间

1. Slow Boat to China

We use this expression to describe something that is very slow and takes a long time.

这句习语用来描述做某件事需要花费很长的时间。

“Waiting for the architects to produce their plans was like taking the slow boat to China.”

“等待建筑师们的设计计划需要花费很长时间。

2. Too Many Chiefs and Not Enough Indians

This is often used to describe a company where there are too many managers and not enough people doing the actual work.

这句话指的是公司里有太多经理而真正干活的人很少。

“The trouble with that company is that there are too many chiefs and not enough Indians.”

“那家公司的问题是经理太多而真正干活的人很少。”

3. Chinese Whispers (UK)

This expression is often used as a metaphor for mistakes and inaccurate information which comes from rumours of gossip.

这个习语通常比喻因为谣言而产生的错误或不准确的信息。

“All this talk about the Prime Minister resigning is just Chinese Whispers.”

“关于首相辞职的谣言纯属无中生有。”

4. Talk for England

When someone can talk for hours and hours.

这个习语指的是某人可以长篇大论讲很久。

“I'm so sorry I'm late. I couldn't get away from Linda. She can talk for England!”

“抱歉我迟到了。琳达太能讲了，我实在脱不开身。”