好词典

lifeline

UK //ˈlaɪflaɪn//US //ˈlaɪflaɪn//

词源

复合词,源自中古英语 life(生命) + line(线),字面意为“生命线”,最早记录于17世纪航海术语,指船上救生用的绳索。

noun

❶ 指在紧急情况下提供关键帮助或支持的事物或人,比如救援绳索或情感依靠,常用于比喻救命稻草或最后希望。

“The emergency fund became her lifeline when she lost her job.”

(失业时,应急基金成了她的救命稻草。)

“The stranded climbers held onto the lifeline thrown by rescuers.”

(被困的登山者紧紧抓住救援者抛下的救生索。)

同义词:savior, support, rescue, anchor, salvation

常见短语

throw a lifeline — 主动提供关键帮助,常用于描述在对方陷入困境时伸出援手的行为。

“The government threw a lifeline to small businesses with new grants.”

(政府通过新补助金计划向小企业伸出援手。)