看美剧学高频短语：Past /in ones prime
Past ones prime：it refers to the period in the life of a person when they are no longer at the peak of their abilities, skills, or physical condition. It suggests that the individual has passed the point of maximum vigor, productivity, or success that they once experienced. This can apply to various aspects of life, such as career, athletic performance, or general well-being. Being “past one’s prime” implies a decline from the previous levels of excellence or optimal functioning. （过了巅峰、鼎盛时期）
中文释义：“someone past his prime”这个短语指的是一个人生活中的时期，当时他们不再处于能力、技能或身体状况的巅峰状态。这表明个体已经超过了曾经经历的最大活力、生产力或成功的点。这可以适用于生活的各个方面，如职业、运动表现或总体健康状况。处于“过了巅峰时期”意味着从先前的卓越水平或最佳运作水平下降。
Sth past its prime：it refers to an object, idea, or entity that has surpassed its period of optimal functionality, effectiveness, or attractiveness. It implies that the thing in question is no longer in its best condition or is not as valuable or relevant as it once was. This phrase is often used to describe items or concepts that have experienced a decline in quality, usefulness, or popularity over time. （过了鲜活、有效、最佳期限）
中文释义：“sth past its prime”这个表达指的是一个物体、理念或实体已经超过了其最佳功能、效力或吸引力的时期。这意味着所讨论的事物不再处于最佳状态，或者不再像曾经那样有价值或相关。这个短语通常用来描述随着时间推移而在质量、实用性或受欢迎程度方面经历了下降的物品或概念。
以下是“sth/sb past its/one’s prime”在美剧语料库中的相关例句：
E.G.1：I think these eggs are past their prime. — So you just shun them and throw them away. — Well, yeah, since mayonnaise [ˌmeɪə’neɪz] left out in the sun can kill ya.（DH S04E01 21:58）
参考翻译：我觉得这些鸡蛋过了保质期。– 那么你只需要回避不吃，扔掉它们。嗯，是啊，毕竟放在太阳底下的蛋黄酱可是会要命的。E.G.2：Well, yes, of course I remember you. A woman well past her prime seeking to augment her social status by doling out her late husband’s ill-gotten gains. （TBBT S04E15 09:55）
参考翻译：嗯，是的，我当然记得你。一个上了年纪的女人，试图通过分发她已故丈夫非法得来的财富来提高她的社会地位。E.G.3：I don’t have to listen to you, old man! You’re past your prime. （GLC S04E20 23:53）
参考翻译：我不必听你的，老顽童！你已经过了巅峰时期。E.G.4：And you thought you married a vibrant woman in her prime,and instead,you got a wife who’s dry and dusty. （DH S04E01 23:17）
参考翻译：而你以为你娶了一个活力四射的正值芳龄的女人，而事实上，你得到的是一个又干瘪、又无趣的妻子。
Mike: Oh,honey. No,it’s–it’s a natural part of life.
Susan：Yeah, the part before death. Oh!
Mike: Look,I know that it’s upsetting, but it’s really not that big a deal.
SusanYes,it is! What if you wanna have kids?
——>> We agreed that we didn’t. No,you said you did.
Susan：I said I didn’t, then you changed your mind.
——>> What if you change it back?
Mike: That’s not gonna happen.
Susan：Listen,my last egg could be on its way down the chute at this very moment.“Down the chute” is an informal expression meaning something is headed toward failure, loss, ruin, or an irreversible negative outcome, often quickly or uncontrollably. （字面意思：顺着滑道滑下；某事迅速走向失败、损失、崩盘或不可逆的恶化，像东西被丢进垃圾滑道一样一路滑下去。近义表达：In free fall.）
Mike: All right, this is all very romantic,but let me be clear about this,okay?
——>> I love you,and if kids don’t happen, I’m fine with that.
Susan：I don’t want you to be fine. I want you to be happy.
Mike: All right, I’m just trying to find a nice way to shut you up, so.E.G.5：Everybody knows M.J. took two years off in his prime. He regrets it to this day. （Suits S02E05 10:22）
参考翻译：每个人都知道麦克尔·乔丹在巅峰时期休息了两年。他至今还为此后悔。E.G.6：Bobby Axelrod is Mike Tyson in his prime. And you do not want Mike Tyson in his prime. （Billions S01E01 11:17）
参考翻译：鲍比・阿克塞尔罗德是处于巅峰时期的迈克·泰森。而你不想与巅峰时期的迈克·泰森对垒。E.G.7：Put me in a practice game, and I’d be a young Boris Spassky in his prime. （Billions S01E10 02:10）
参考翻译：把我放在练习赛中，我将是巅峰时期的年轻鲍里斯·斯帕斯基。
In one’s prime：it means to be at the peak of one’s strength, abilities, health, or influence — the period in life when someone is performing at their best physically, mentally, or professionally. （一个人处于巅峰时期——在体能、能力、健康或事业上最强、最有优势的阶段。）
例句示范：
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She was in her prime when she won all those championships.
她赢得那些冠军时正值巅峰。 - The CEO believes the company is in its prime and ready for rapid expansion.
CEO 认为公司正处于巅峰阶段，已经准备好快速扩张。 -
He left the firm right in his prime, which surprised everyone on the team.
他在事业巅峰时期离开了公司，令整个团队大为意外。
