如果我们这个时候都打退堂鼓
“If we back down at a time like this,”
THE DIALOGUE REEL
李家代行贡墨权 已经有三年了
“Our Li family has held the tribute ink contract on an acting basis for 3 years now.”
如果我们 这个 时候都 打退堂鼓
“If we back down at a time like this,”
那我们还能指望着谁 心甘情愿地 去替徽墨出战呢
“then who can we expect to willingly represent Hui Ink in the selection?”
“We are the leaders here; if we chicken out now, the entire craft is doomed.”
In Chinese business and clan traditions, the premier family or guild leader carries the non-negotiable obligation to shoulder risks for the entire collective.
LEARNING CHUNKS & PARTICLES
to back out; to give up midway; to beat a retreat
A very common idiom used when someone loses nerve or abandons an undertaking halfway through.
at this juncture; at this critical time
Used to emphasize the timing and high stakes of a current situation.
VOCABULARY & EXPRESSIONS
Parallel Spoken Cinema Scenes (语义近邻切片)
“I was ready to give up.”
“some of them backed out.”
“some of them backed out. Why?”
“If they get cold feet, I have to humble myself”
“Now you know. Are you getting cold feet? So many colleagues”
“Court is adjourned for now.”