spectre
鬼;幽灵
Was he a spectre returning to haunt her?
是不是他的幽灵回来找她了?
message from sb to sb
(书面或口头的)信息,消息,音信
There were no messages for me at the hotel.
旅馆里没有给我的留言。
I left a message on your answering machine.
我在你的电话应答机上留言了。
Jenny's not here at the moment. Can I take a message?
珍妮这会儿不在。要我给你传个话吗?
prior
先前的;较早的;在前的
Although not essential, some prior knowledge of statistics is desirable.
统计学的知识虽非必要,但最好是学过一点。
This information must not be disclosed without prior written consent.
未事先征得书面许可,此消息不得泄露。
Visits are by prior arrangement.
参观需要事先安排。
motive for sth
动机;原因;目的
There seemed to be no motive for the murder.
这起谋杀案看不出有什么动机。
I'm suspicious of his motives.
我怀疑他的动机。
the profit motive (= the desire to make a profit)
谋利的动机
I have an ulterior motive in offering to help you.
我主动提出要帮助你是有私心的