The name of the game 核心，關鍵

內容簡介

如果說學生的第一要務 “the name of the game” 是學習，那麼好的學習資源對學生來說就格外重要。“The name of the game” 是一個地道的口語表達，它可以用來指 “一件事或一項活動中的關鍵部分”，或者 “對一件事的基本要求或期待”。聽節目，跟主持人菲菲和 Phil 學習 “the name of the game” 的用法。

文字稿

（關於臺詞的備註: 請註意這不是廣播節目的逐字稿件。本文稿可能沒有體現錄制、編輯過程中對節目做出的改變。）

Feifei
Hello and welcome to Authentic Real English, where we explain expressions used by fluent English speakers so that you can use them too. I’m Feifei.

Phil
And I’m Phil.

Feifei
Now, I am a big believer in looking professional in the office. I’m sitting here, very smartly dressed, but Phil, you’re in a tracksuit and trainers. What’s going on?

Phil
OK, OK, let me explain. I’m going for a run at lunchtime, and when you’re an athlete like me…

Feifei
Oh, an athlete? You?

Phil
Don’t laugh! When you’re an athlete, speed is the name of the game. I just can’t run that fast in office clothes.

Feifei
I’m not convinced you can run fast in that either, but anyway you’ve given us a good expression to learn in this programme – ‘the name of the game’. Why don’t you tell us a bit about it?

Phil
So, if something is ‘the name of the game’, that can mean that it’s the most important aspect of something. The ‘game’ might actually be a game. So in football, the name of the game is scoring goals, but it can also be used more generally. We use it any time that we want to highlight the most important part of an activity.

Feifei
Yes. So for example, at work professionalism is the name of the game, so you Phil, should put some proper shoes on.

Phil
Maybe you’re right. While I go and change, listen to these people using the expression ‘the name of the game’.

Examples
My brother has an amazing mind for detail, and he’s a lawyer, which is good because that’s the name of the game.

I’m watching a reality TV show at the moment, and popularity is really the name of the game.

When I travel, I don’t really like to plan much, because for me, spontaneity is the name of the game.

Feifei
你正在收聽的是 AYYBLOG 英語教學的 “地道英語” 節目。以上我們一起學習瞭表達 “the name of the game” 的用法。“The name of the game” 可以用來指 “一件事情或一項活動中的關鍵部分” 或者 “在做一項活動中一個人最需要具備的品質”。 But there is another, related meaning.

Phil
Yes, sometimes, we use ‘the name of the game’ to talk about expectations around something. In some jobs you might say that ‘early mornings are the name of the game’. If you work in a cafe, then early mornings are definitely the name of the game.

Feifei
Yes, in some jobs you just have to accept that you need to get up early if you want to do them. “The name of the game” 還可以用來表示 “對一件事情最基本的要求或期待”。

Phil
Now, when you’re learning a language, regular practice is the name of the game. So, make sure you come back for the next episode. We’ll see you then.

Feifei
Bye!