lame duck
复数形式
lame ducks
1
跛脚鸭, 失败者
someone or something that is unsuccessful and in need of help
The origin of the idiom "lame duck" phrase is uncertain, but it may be related to the idea of a bird that is injured or unable to fly, leaving it vulnerable to predators and unable to fend for itself. Over time, the phrase has come to be used more generally to describe any situation where someone or something is vulnerable or weakened, whether it be a political leader who is nearing the end of their term or a business that is struggling to stay afloat. The phrase can also be used to describe a person who is in need of help or support in order to succeed or achieve their goals.
- The struggling company was in danger of going bankrupt, but with the help of a new investor, it managed to avoid becoming a lame duck and turned its fortunes around.
这家陷入困境的公司濒临破产，但在新投资者的帮助下，它成功避免了成为跛脚鸭并扭转了命运。
- The team's star player was injured and unable to play, leaving the team feeling like a lame duck without their top scorer.
球队的明星球员受伤无法上场，让球队感觉像失去了最佳得分手的跛脚鸭。
2
跛脚鸭, 即将卸任的官员
a politician or public office holder who is approaching the end of their term and will soon be replaced, usually due to failure to be re-elected or re-appointed
The idiom "lame duck" originated in the 18th century in the stock market of London. It was used to describe someone who defaulted on their debts or was unable to fulfill their financial obligations. The term was later adopted in the political realm to refer to elected officials or governments that are still in office but have limited power or influence because their term is coming to an end, and another person or party is set to take over. The term gained popularity in the United States during the 19th century and has since become a commonly used phrase in political discourse.
- The outgoing president is now considered a lame duck, as the next election is just a few months away.
即将离任的总统现在被认为是一只跛脚鸭，因为下一次选举就在几个月后。
- The current administration, in its final days, is facing challenges as it operates as a lame duck government.
现任政府在其最后的日子里，作为跛脚鸭政府运作时面临着挑战。
- Many critics argue that the lame duck period hinders effective governance and decision-making.
许多批评者认为，跛脚鸭时期阻碍了有效的治理和决策。
- During the last months of his term, the former prime minister was labeled as a lame duck due to political opposition and impending elections.
在任期的最后几个月里，由于政治反对和即将到来的选举，前首相被称为跛脚鸭。
- The outgoing mayor struggled to push through any significant policies during the lame duck phase.
即将离任的市长在跛脚鸭阶段难以推动任何重大政策。