【问】 (a) I could do with a cup of tea.

(b) The car could do with a good polish.

(c) Some children can do with very little spending money.

could do with按字面很难理解其含义。请解释。

【答】 在句(a)中 could do with是“想要”(want)的意思，在句(b)中是需要(need)的意思，而在句(c)中则是“有……就行了”、“有……就可以了”。请看下面的例句及其译法：

1. I think we could all do with good night's sleep...(EED)

我认为我们大家都需要好好地睡一夜。

2. Your hands look as though they could do with a wash. (Wood)

你的两只手看样子需要洗一洗。

3. Can you do with cold meat for dinner? (ALD)

晚餐你吃冷肉行吗?