第 3 单元 - 参考

A myth is a traditional story or belief that explains natural phenomena, customs, or the origins of a culture. Myths often involve gods, supernatural beings, or heroic figures and serve to convey values, moral lessons, or explanations for the unknown. They are passed down through generations and play a significant role in shaping the beliefs and traditions of a society. Myths provide insights into how different cultures understand and interpret the world around them.

The origin of the idiom "tall story" can be traced back to the concept of storytelling and the practice of embellishing or exaggerating details to make a narrative more captivating or entertaining. The idiom refers to a narrative or anecdote that is exaggerated, embellished, or unlikely to be entirely true. It suggests that the story being told is figuratively "tall" or of great height, representing the idea that it stretches the boundaries of believability. The idiom is commonly used to describe a story that may be entertaining but is not entirely factual or realistic.

A fairytale is a type of folktale that features magical elements and fantastical creatures, such as fairies, witches, and talking animals. These stories often involve adventures, quests, and conflicts between good and evil. Fairytales usually have a clear moral or lesson and are set in imaginary worlds or enchanted settings. They are designed to entertain and enchant readers or listeners, often with a happy ending where good triumphs over evil.

The idiom "punch line" is thought to have originated in the United States in the early 20th century. The first known use of the phrase in print was in 1916, in a newspaper article about vaudeville (a form of popular entertainment that was popular in the United States from the late 19th century to the early 20th century). This expression is now used to describe the funny part of a joke, story, or speech. It can also be used to describe the main point or conclusion of something.

The origin of the idiom "white lie" is rooted in the concept of a lie that is considered harmless or trivial. The term "white" in this context symbolizes purity, innocence, or a lack of malicious intent. The idiom refers to a lie told with good intentions, often to spare someone's feelings or maintain social harmony. This phrase suggests that the lie is not meant to cause harm or deceive, but rather to protect or benefit others in a small or inconsequential way.

A farce is a type of movie or play that features unlikely and silly situations, often involving exaggerated and foolish behavior. It uses humor and absurdity to entertain, with characters who find themselves in ridiculous or improbable scenarios. The plot typically involves misunderstandings, mistaken identities, and slapstick comedy, all designed to provoke laughter through its outlandish and exaggerated elements.

A pun is a form of wordplay that uses the multiple meanings of a word or similar-sounding words to create a humorous or clever effect. It involves a play on words where a word or phrase is used in a way that suggests different meanings or interpretations. For example, in the phrase "I used to be a baker, but I could not make enough dough", the pun is on the word "dough", which refers both to the mixture used to make bread and slang for money. This play on words adds humor by linking two different meanings of the same word. Puns are often used to add wit or a clever twist to writing and speech.

Irony is a way of using language to say something that is intentionally contrary to what is meant, often to criticize or mock. It employs clever or sarcastic language to highlight flaws or shortcomings indirectly. For example, if someone who is consistently late is called "Mr. Punctual", the remark uses irony to emphasize the opposite of the truth and to subtly criticize the person's lack of punctuality. This form of irony is used to express disapproval or mock someone or something by pointing out their flaws in an indirect and often humorous way.

Satire is a form of writing that uses humor, irony, or exaggeration to criticize or mock people, institutions, or social practices. The goal of satire is often to highlight flaws, absurdities, or injustices in a way that provokes thought and encourages change. By presenting issues in a humorous or exaggerated manner, satire aims to make its critique more engaging and impactful, shedding light on the shortcomings or contradictions in the subject being satirized.

The idiom "follow in one's footsteps" is used to describe the act of doing the same things that another person, often a family member or predecessor, has done before. The phrase originates from the literal act of following someone's footprints or steps, indicating the path they have taken. Over time, the phrase has evolved to represent the act of pursuing the same path, career, or lifestyle as someone else, particularly a family member or mentor