But one day the chicks wait in vain for food.但有一天，小企鹅苦苦地等到日落

in vain:徒然； 白费； 无效

I sought to persuade him, but in vain.

我试图说服他，但无效。

We tried in vain to make him change his mind.

我们想使他改变主意，结果是白费心机。

take sb's name in vain滥用某人的名字

Have you been taking my name in vain again?

你又在滥用我的名义吧?

labor in vain徒劳

Have I believed and labored in vain for my Master?

我所相信和为主努力的一切是否只是徒劳？

The chicks now face life on their own.小企鹅得独自面对人生

on one's own:独自地； 独立地； 主动地

I was able to finish the job on my own.

我能独自地把工作做完。

Instinct tells them they have to head out to sea.本能告诉它们应该出海

head out:离去；启程，出海

I have a long way to go before dark. I'm going to head out.

天黑前我还有很远的路要走，我得上路了。

Our ship left port and headed out to sea.

我们的船离开港口向大海驶去。

But they still have to learn to swim.不过它们得先学会游泳

learn to:学习

She learn to triumph over her disability.

她学会了战胜她自身的不足。