英漢習語的異同比較

A.英漢習語形義全同

這類習語為數(shù)少，例如：

Barking dogs do not bite.吠犬不咬人。

Who is contented, enjoys.知足者常樂。

Misfortunes never come singly.禍不單行。

It is harder to change human nature than to change rivers and mountains.江山難改，本性難移。

Like father, like son. 有其父必有其子。

B. 習語形義基本相同

這類習語比上面一類在數(shù)量上要多些，例如：

as light as a feather（or as thistle-down）輕如鴻毛

to take a load off one's mind如釋重負

to run in the same groove; to cut from the same cloth.如出一轍

to make a beast of oneself形同禽獸

Shallow streams make most din.水深不響， 水響不深。

Money makes the mare go.有錢能使鬼推磨。

Reckless youth makes rueful age.少壯不努力，老大徒傷悲。

C.英漢習語形似義異

這類習語相當多，例如：

When a dog is drowning every one offers him drink.

英文含義：狗若落水人人救，強調(diào)人人伸出援之手.

中文對應語：救了落水狗，反咬你一口。強調(diào)好心得不到好報

Ignorance of the law is no excuse of breaking it.

英文含義：法盲犯法不可恕，強調(diào)嚴格執(zhí)行法律。

中文對應語：不知者無罪。強調(diào)網(wǎng)開一面。

Strike while the iron is hot

英文含義：強調(diào)"抓住時機"

中文對應語：趁熱打鐵，著重"抓緊行動"

英文含義：強調(diào)為時已晚。

中文對應語：亡羊補牢。強調(diào)受到損失后想法彌補，以免再受損失。

D.英漢習語形異義似

A word spoken is past recalling. 一言既出，駟馬難追。

Great boast, small roast.干打雷， 不下雨。

Take not a musket to kill a butterfly. 殺雞焉用宰牛刀。

as dumb as an oyster 守口如瓶

to hit someone below the belt/to stab someone in the back 暗箭傷人（below the belt來自于拳擊，擊中對手腰部以下是算犯規(guī)的；相應的口語中有一種說法：a low-blow，意為卑鄙的偷襲、手段。）

as weak as water 弱不禁風

E.英漢習語形義完全不同

cast one's bread upon the waters不期望報答所作之事

keep the wolf from the door免于饑餓，勉強度日

make one's blood freeze令人恐懼

see the sun活著