看美剧学英语高频短语：Torn between sb and sb
Torn between sb and sb /sth and sth：it means feeling emotionally conflicted or unable to decide between two people, choices, or options. It describes a situation where someone is divided by mixed feelings or pulled in two directions, making it hard to choose one over the other. （在两个人或两种选择之间左右为难、情感或理智上难以取舍。“torn” 在这里表示“内心撕扯”或“纠结”，常用于形容矛盾、挣扎或决策困难的心理状态。）
以下是实用短语“Torn between sb and sb”在美剧语料库中的相关例句：
场景一：美剧《老友记》S08E21 09:02
So, what do you think? — I’m torn between my integrity and my desire to avoid a beating. But I must be honest. Your soup is abysmal.
参考翻译：— 你觉得怎么样？— 我现在进退两难，既想坚持原则又怕挨揍…但老实说，你这汤简直难喝到极致。
场景二：英剧《唐顿庄园》S05E01 59:43
Well, you said so yourself. There was a time when you were torn between me and Charles Blake, but I think you’ve decided and I’m the winner.
参考翻译：你自己也说过，曾在我和查尔斯·布莱克之间摇摆不定。不过现在看来你已经做出选择——我才是胜出者。
场景三：美剧《猫鼠游戏》S06E01 06:56
Diana：How are you holding up? 你还好吗？
Peter：I’m torn between being afraid Mozzie’s right and hoping he is. What do you think? 我现在左右为难，既害怕莫兹说的是真的，又希望他真说中了。你怎么看？
Diana：I think Mozzie would rather be anywhere but here, and the fact that he’s still around says a lot. 要我说，莫兹本来完全可以一走了之，可他至今仍守在这里——这已经很说明问题了。
场景四：美剧《纸牌屋》S02E13 27:29
Frank Underwood： Mr. President. 总统先生
President Walker：I got your letter. 我收到你的信了。
——>> I had Tricia read it, too. 我也让特里夏看了。
——>> I’m torn, Frank. 我内心很矛盾，弗兰克。
——>> Half of me wants to think you’re genuine. 一半的我想相信你是真诚的。
——>> The other half doesn’t trust a word of it. 另一半则对你一句话都不信。
Frank Underwood（弗兰克·安德伍德）： Does Tricia feel the same way? 特里夏也这么想吗？
President Walker： She believes in Claire, which inclines her to believe in you. 她相信克莱尔，这让她也倾向于相信你。
Frank： I meant every syllable [‘sɪləbl]. 我信中的每个字都是真心的。
——>> I wanted you to know beyond a shadow of a doubt 我想让你毫无疑虑地明白，
——>> that I am willing to do whatever is necessary. 我愿意不惜一切代价去做该做的事。
President Walker： Well, then why can’t I shake the shadow? 那为何我仍无法摆脱疑虑？
Frank： Because I’m a liar, sir. 因为我是个说谎的人，总统先生。
——>> Because I lack scruples [‘skruːpl] and some would even say compassion. 因为我缺乏道德底线，有人甚至说我没有怜悯心。
Scruple：a feeling of moral doubt or ethical hesitation that prevents someone from taking an action they consider wrong. It refers to a principle of conscience that restrains behavior based on moral standards. （一种道德上的疑虑或伦理层面的犹豫，使人避免采取自认为错误的行为。它源于良知原则，基于道德标准对行为产生约束。）
“She had no scruples about lying to protect her reputation.” （她对于撒谎维护声誉毫无道德顾忌。）
“His scruples prevented him from exploiting the loophole, even though it was legal.” （他的良知不安阻止了他利用漏洞，即便这样做是合法的。）
——>> But that’s just the image that I present to the world 但那只是我展示给世人的一副面孔，
——>> because it elicits [i’lɪsɪt] fear and respect. 因为它能换来恐惧与尊敬。
Elicit：to draw out or evoke a response, answer, or fact from someone, often through deliberate effort, questioning, or stimulation. It implies a proactive action to obtain something that is not immediately offered. （通过刻意努力、提问或刺激引出（反应）、探出（答案）或诱出（事实），强调主动获取未主动提供的信息或反馈。）
Daily Conversation:
“The comedian’s joke elicited loud laughter from the audience.”
参考翻译：那位喜剧演员的笑话引得观众哄堂大笑。“She carefully elicited her toddler’s thoughts about preschool by asking open-ended questions.”
参考翻译：她通过开放式提问，小心地试探出孩子对幼儿园的真实想法。Business Context:
“The market research survey was designed to elicit honest feedback about the new product.”
参考翻译：这项市场调研旨在收集关于新产品的真实反馈。“His presentation elicited strong interest from potential investors, leading to three follow-up meetings.”
参考翻译：他的演示引发了潜在投资者的浓厚兴趣，后续安排了三场会议。
——>> But it is not who I am. 但那并不是真正的我。
——>> My hope was that my letter would prove that to you. 我希望那封信能让你看清这一点。
President Walker： Well, even if you are being genuine, 即便你现在是诚恳的，
——>> that doesn’t do much for me. 这对我也没什么帮助。
——>> I won’t survive impeachment 我挺不过弹劾，
——>> because I got along with my vice president. 因为我和副总统关系太好。
Frank： No, I agree you need more than my good intentions. 我同意，仅有我的好意还不够。
President Walker： Proof. That’s what I want to see, Frank. 证据——这才是我想看到的，弗兰克。
——>> And not just falling on the sword / grenade. Show me results. 而不是单纯自我牺牲，给我看结果。
——>> And then I’ll reconsider whether you’re worth any of my trust at all. 那时我再考虑是否值得信任你。
Frank： You’re talking votes. 你是说票数。
President Walker： Yeah. Whipping votes was your strong suit. 对，拉票是你的拿手好戏。
——>> That’s the side of you I want to see. 我想看到那个版本的你。
Frank： I’ve already begun, sir. 我已经开始行动了，总统先生。
President Walker： Yeah? You have a count? 是吗？你有票数统计吗？
Frank： An approximation [əˌprɒksɪ’meɪʃn]. The sands keep shifting. 大致有个估算，形势还在不断变化。
President Walker： Well, can we survive the House or not? 我们能否挺过众议院？
Frank： Possibly, but Jackie Sharp is making it very difficult. 也许能，但杰基·夏普让事情变得很棘手。
President Walker： Give me numbers. 给我数字。
Frank： Over half of the 18 that she needs, 她所需的18票中，我们拿下了过半。
——>> which is why I’d like to start focusing on the Senate. 所以我打算把重心转到参议院。
President Walker： Don’t you think that’s premature? 你不觉得那太早了吗？
Frank： We should be prepared. 我们该未雨绸缪。
——>> The key battle is making sure that you avoid conviction. 关键是确保你免于定罪。
President Walker： Well, you keep whipping, you keep getting me information, 继续拉票，继续给我情报，
——>> I’ll answer your calls. 我会接你的电话。
——>> But don’t take that as a sign of reconciliation, Frank. 但别把这当作和解的迹象，弗兰克。
Frank： I’ll sing for my supper, sir. 我会凭实力换取饭碗，总统先生。
——>> I don’t expect it for free. 我不求无偿回报。
President Walker： Let’s talk again tomorrow. 明天再谈。
Frank： Thank you, Mr. President. 谢谢您，总统先生。
本段出自《纸牌屋》第二季结尾，弗兰克·安德伍德（Frank Underwood）在政治棋局中步步为营、巧妙布局，最终逼迫总统Garrett Walker （加勒特·沃克）陷入孤立。此场对话是两人权力关系的关键转折点——弗兰克表面上示弱、承认自己“是个骗子”，但实际上是在用语言策略重新夺回主动权。总统的信任已岌岌可危，而弗兰克则巧妙地用“悔意”与“忠诚”的假象为自己铺设通往白宫的最后一步。这一幕展示了他惯用的伪善魅力——在权力的舞台上，他能让道歉听起来像胜利，让虚伪听起来像真诚。
Here is a thorough analysis of the context and a comment on President Walker’s crucial remark, followed by a Chinese translation.
English Analysis & Comment
1. Contextual Analysis:
This scene is the culmination of Frank Underwood’s meticulous, long-term scheme to seize power. President Walker is not merely in a political scandal; he is a man caught in a trap designed and sprung by his own Vice President. Frank’s “letter” and his subsequent performance of contrite loyalty are the final pieces of this trap. He presents himself as the only solution to a problem he himself created.
Walker’s state of mind is critical here:
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Paralyzing Indecision (
"I'm torn"): He is intellectually aware of Frank’s duplicity ("The other half doesn't trust a word of it"), but emotionally and politically desperate for a lifeline. Tricia’s influence ("inclines her to believe in you") represents the last vestige of hope he’s clinging to. -
The Master Manipulator’s Gambit (Frank’s “Confession”): Frank’s genius lies in his “strategic honesty.” By admitting he is a liar without scruples, he performs the ultimate act of deception. He creates a new, seemingly “authentic” layer of trust with Walker, making the President believe that this version of Frank—the one being “honest” about his flaws—is the real one. This is a psychological masterstroke designed to bypass Walker’s logical defenses.
2. Comment on Walker’s Remark: “Proof. That’s what I want to see, Frank…”
Walker’s statement is a desperate man’s attempt to reassert control in a game he has already lost. It is the last stand of a conventional politician against a ruthless tactician who plays by a different set of rules.
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The Rejection of Symbolic Sacrifice (
"not just falling on the sword"): The phrase “falling on the sword” refers to a grand, theatrical gesture of taking blame to protect others. Walker is shrewd enough to see that in Frank’s world, such a gesture would be just another move, likely one that ultimately benefits Frank. He is demanding something tangible, something that cannot be faked or twisted—actual political currency. -
The Primacy of Results (
"Show me results"): This is the core of Walker’s demand. In the face of Frank’s eloquent lies and calculated “truths,” Walker tries to ground the negotiation in objective reality. He is saying, “Your words, your letters, and even your shocking confessions are meaningless. The only language I will now accept is that of demonstrable, political outcomes.” This shifts the benchmark from intention (which is always suspect with Frank) to irrefutable action. -
Trust as a Transaction (
"then I'll reconsider..."): This line reveals the utter destruction of their relationship. Trust is no longer given; it must be purchased with “results.” The phrasing"worth any of my trust at all"is particularly cold and conditional. It reduces their partnership to a brutal transaction: Frank must deliver the goods (votes) first, and only then might Walker consider paying him with a modicum of trust.
In essence, Walker’s remark is the plea of a drowning man who knows his would-be savior is also the one who pushed him into the water. He is trying to set the terms of his own rescue, demanding a life raft built of solid, verifiable results, while failing to realize that Frank is only offering him a leash.
中文翻译与分析
1. 语境分析：
这一幕是弗兰克·安德伍德为夺取权力而精心策划的长期阴谋的顶点。沃克总统不仅仅是陷入了一场政治丑闻；他是落入了自己的副总统设计和发动的陷阱。弗兰克的“信”以及他后续表现的懊悔与忠诚，是这个陷阱的最后部件。他将自己包装成了解决某个难题的唯一人选，而这个难题恰恰是他自己制造的。
沃克的心态至关重要：
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令人瘫痪的犹豫不决（”我内心很矛盾”）： 他在理智上清楚弗兰克的奸诈（”另一半则对你一句话都不信”），但在情感和政治上极度渴望一根救命稻草。特里夏的影响（”让她也倾向于相信你”）代表了他所抓住的最后一丝希望。
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操纵大师的赌注（弗兰克的”坦白”）： 弗兰克的天才之处在于他的”战略性诚实”。通过承认自己是个毫无道德顾忌的骗子，他完成了一场终极的欺骗。他与沃克建立了一种新的、看似”真实”的信任层，让总统相信这个”坦诚”自己缺陷的弗兰克才是真实的。这是一个心理上的绝招，旨在绕过沃克的逻辑防线。
2. 对沃克言论的评论：”证据——这才是我想看到的，弗兰克……”
沃克的这番话，是一个绝望之人试图在一场他已经输掉的游戏中重新夺回控制权的最后努力。这是一位传统政客在面对一个遵循不同规则的冷酷战术家时的最后坚守。
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对象征性牺牲的拒绝（”而不是单纯自我牺牲”）： “自我牺牲”指的是一种承担罪责以保护他人的戏剧性姿态。沃克非常精明，他明白在弗兰克的世界里，这种姿态只是另一招棋，最终很可能还是对弗兰克有利。他要求的是某种切实的、无法伪造或扭曲的东西——真正的政治资本。
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结果至上（”给我看结果”）： 这是沃克要求的核心。在面对弗兰克雄辩的谎言和精心计算的”实话”时，沃克试图将谈判拉回到客观现实之中。他的意思是：”你的言辞、你的信件，甚至你令人震惊的坦白都毫无意义。我现在唯一接受的语言是可展示的政治成果。”这将评判标准从意图（对弗兰克总是可疑的）转向了无可辩驳的行动。
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信任即交易（”那时我再考虑……”）： 这句话揭示了他们关系的彻底破裂。信任不再给予，必须用”结果”来购买。
"是否值得信任你"的措辞尤其冷酷且充满条件性。它将他们的伙伴关系贬低为一笔残酷的交易：弗兰克必须先交付货物（选票），然后沃克或许才会考虑支付给他一点点信任。
本质上，沃克的这番话是一个溺水者的恳求，他明知那个所谓的拯救者就是把自己推下水的人。他试图设定自己获救的条件，要求一个用坚实、可验证的结果建造的救生筏，却没有意识到弗兰克给他的只是一条缰绳。
你的课后小任务：
请使用今天学到的 I'm torn 和 strong suit 来造句，描述一个你生活中或职场上的两难困境。例如：”I’m torn between taking a job that pays more or one that aligns with my strong suit in creative writing.”
记住，看美剧学英语，不仅要记单词，更要学习那种 “于无声处听惊雷”的思维与话术。下次课再见！
