介绍:
1）Slippery slope
-The governor vetoed a bill that would have allowed R-rated movies in cinemas, citing a slippery slope.
-Vincent did not want his family lending money to their poor neighbors, saying it would lead to a slippery slope where they would be dependent.
-Lawmakers in America were uncomfortable with legalizing the gateway drug marijuana, since they thought it would lead to a slippery slope.
Definition: A slippery slope argument states that a relatively small first step leads to a chain of related events culminating in some significant effect.
Etymology: Refers to how an object given a small push over the edge of a slope slides all the way to the bottom.
Other examples:
A. The young couple has agreed not to allow their pet dog to enter the bedroom. However one day, the husband broke the rule and allowed the dog in bed for a little while. This is a slippery slope, now the dog wants to get in their bed every night.
B. You can't help lazy people by giving them food and cash. It's a slippery slope and they will expect more from you and become even lazier. The best thing is to give them skills and they can earn a living from that.
2) Dial it back
-Nathan was told to dial back his flamboyant personality when he went to a religious ceremony.
-When Greg got angry his friend told him to dial it back.
-It was hot in my home, so I dialed back the heating system.
Definition: To reduce in strength or intensity.
Etymology: Refers to temperature dials.
Other examples:
A. Summer vacation is over. Children, you need to dial it back and start to focus on studying.
B. One thing is true about raising or improving one's living standard: once it has been raised, it's hard to dial back.
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