英语阅读："Duck-and-cover"
The above phrase appeared in our online translation section and it’s a goodexample of language that has been taken from one sphere, in this case war or the
military, to be used to relate to matters in politics.
Often we see sporting metaphors used in such a way e.g. “Obama really had
to put his gloves on to defeat Hillary.”
Or, “The eager reporter really took a swing at that corrupt official during
the press conference.”
In this case, “duck and cover” comes from the military and civil defense
and it is what you are meant to do when there is danger, like an explosion,
earthquake or some other terrible catastrophe.
If you duck it means you get down as if to avoid something that is going to
hit you, e.g. if I throw a ball at you your first reaction is to duck.
Now ‘cover’ means to protect your head or body, perhaps by putting your
hands and arms over your head or by hiding under a desk.
Think of a turtle or a crab when it is scared, well they “duck and
cover”.
Going back through history this was a tactic that was taught in the US and
other countries after WW2 when there was a large fear about a possible nuclear
war. Students at school and workers at the company would practice “drills” where
they would very quickly “duck and cover”.
These days we use the term often when we refer to a situation where someone
is under pressure and needs to protect themselves.
Thus it was seen in the media the other week with President Obama who is
facing many challenges and only naturally would want to “duck and cover”.
In the example below, what is in hiding and acting fearful though is the
economy and consumer and investor confidence.
“Barack Obama's initial moves on the economy have left consumer confidence
flat so far: it remains in full duck-and-cover mode, not far from its low in 23
years of weekly polls.”
Perhaps with time, in the months and next few years this cautious turtle –
i.e. the economy, will show its head once again.
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