実践ビジネス英語 Thursday, March 28
1) Collins says increased use of social media is also a factor in the decline in driving among young people, and Umemura speculates that environmental concerns are also a cause. He says many of his friends and colleagues are deliberately using public transportation or bicycles for that reason. Collins says auto makers are trying various methods to counteract the decline in driving, but that young people resist being marketed to.
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Surrendering Car Keys (5)
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2) "Have something to do with" is one factor in the situation, Collins means. One cause of the situation. We also say "have a lot to do with," meaning something was a key reason or factor, as in "The low price we quoted 'had a lot to do with' our getting the account."
have a lot to do with = 大いに関係がある
have little to do with = あまり関係がない
2) "Have something to do with" can also mean be related, connected in some way, as in "I don't know exactly why we are having this meeting, but it 'has something to do with' the new project."
3) wouldn't be surprised if: This seems likely, in other words. I would guess that this is the case, Umemura is saying. For example, I "wouldn't be surprised" if I got the job. I think the interview went very well.
4) We also say "would be surprised if" to indicate we don't think something is likely, as in "'I'd be surprised if' I got the job. I don't think the interview went very well."
5) make a conscious decision to: A deliberate decision, in other words. It's also common to hear about "a conscious choice" or "a conscious attempt." She "made a conscious attempt" to exercise more, for example.
6) carbon footprint: This is how much carbon dioxide is emitted by something, in this case, a person's daily activities. Companies and countries also strive to reduce their "carbon footprints."
7) in love with: In this case, this is a little hyperbole way of saying we really, really like something. We also refer to a "love affair with something," meaning not a romantic relationship but strong enthusiasm. We often hear about America's long "love affair with" the automobile. Americans drive a lot, buy a lot of cars are very interested in cars. Then there's Japan's ongoing "love affair with" the cellphone.
8) open road: This suggests to me roads like highways outside urban areas or you can drive unimpeded, just go and go as much as you like.
9) make a big deal of: Treat something as if it were important, a matter of great concern or interest, emphasize it. I have several friends who are quite wealthy apparently, but they don't "make a big deal of" it. They don't draw attention to it through their words or actions.
10) stumbling block: Like a block that causes you to stumble, fall over. This is an obstacle. It obstructs progress. Helen's arrogance has been a major "stumbling block" in her career, you could say. Or, the dispute over tax cuts is the key "stumbling block" in intraparty talks.
11) don't take kindly to: Young people aren't receptive to being marketed to, Collins means. They object to it, as in "She 'doesn't take kindly to' criticism, or "Companies 'don't take kindly to' others' violating their copy rights."
12) As far as I know, "take kindly" is always used in this negative construction. I've never heard anyone say something like, young people "take kindly to" being marketed to. I've never heard that.
