5. 挂羊头，卖狗肉：有人照字直译为：He advertises mutton, but sells dog's flesh. 或 He hangs up a sheep's head at the shopfront and sells dog meat.

     这两种译法，恐怕老外都难理解，尤其谈到「狗肉」，他们更会「反感」，因为狗是他们最爱的宠物，不过老外倒有相近的说法：

     He applied bait-and-switch factics in business. (他经商的策略是先引诱顾客来，再改变货物的品质。)

     (Bait-and- switch 当名词用) (也可不用连字号)

     This store uses bait and switch policy.

     或者简单的说：

     Let the buyer be aware! (让消费者提高警觉) ; 或

     Say one thing and do another.

     6. 一言既出，驷马难追：有人译成：One word lets slip and four horses will fail to catch it. 或 A statement that once let loose cannot be caught by four galloping horses.

     这两种说法，中文味道嫌重，老外未必理解。不过他们倒有类似的说法：

     A word once let go cannot be recalled.

     或者说：

     You can not take back what you have said. (你说出的话，就不能再收回来。)

     7. 祸从口出，言多必失：有人译为：The mouth is the gate of misfortune and evil.

     老外听了，恐怕不能完全理解。最好说成：

     Careless talk leads to trouble. (不小心说话，会带来麻烦); 或

     The less said the better. (说的愈少愈好)

     甚至也可以说：

     Shut the mouth and open the eyes. (闭嘴少说，张眼多看。)

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