中国人最易误解的表达第12期:可惜了一锅好鱼

It is a nice kettle of fish! I have a stomachache.
　　
（误译）这是一锅好鱼，（可惜）我胃痛。
（正译）真糟糕，我胃痛了。

a nice kettle of fish 口语，意为“乱七八糟”，“非常混乱”，“一塌糊涂”，“处境困难”，“糟糕通顶”。

1. dilemma n. 困境；进退两难；两刀论法

in a dilemma 进退两难，左右为难

That dilemma is now disappearing.
高通胀目前正在消失。

The aid industry faces a dilemma.
援助行业陷入了两难境地。

The dilemma the opposition faces has become sharper.
反对党面临着愈加尖锐的困境。

2. predicament n. 窘况，困境；状态

Here was an awful predicament.
这可是个伤脑筋的情况。

That is one predicament the clock makers face.
这是制钟者必须面临的窘境之一。

Economists often find themselves in a similar predicament.
经济学家发现他们经常处于同样的困境。

3. plight n. 困境；境况；誓约

The plight of the refugees arouses our compassion.
难民的困苦引起我们的同情。

But the new plane has not even had its first plight.
但这种新的飞机甚至还没有试飞过。

FOR policymakers in the rich world, Japan's plight is the stuff of nightmares.
对于在富裕国家的政策制定者来说，日本的困境是噩梦的素材。

4. difficult position 困境

Life is such in a difficult position.
生活便諟这样菂狼狈。

You don't understand what a difficult position I'm in.
你不会明白我的处境多么困难。

Instead let me learn in such difficult position to be strong.
反而让我在这样的困境学会了坚强。