习语可以是一个词或短语，要理解习语的意思不能脱离其文化背景。习语一词的含义甚广，其蕴含的意义往往不能从词或词组的字面意思推测而得。习语在所有语言中都很常见。英语习语是日常英语的重要组成部分。在英语的书面语和口语中，存在海量的习语。
儒琴今日习语（Idiom of the Day）
clout list
英文解释
(chiefly US, idiomatic, politics, ethics) A usually secret list containing the names of people who are to be given special access, benefits, or influence in a political or social situation, especially as a result of having personal, professional, or financial relationships with those in authority. （yourdictionary.com）
A secret list of people who, through advantageous connections and relationships with people of affluence, authority, or political influence, are given preferential consideration during an admissions or appointments process. （thefreedictionary.com）
中文解释
clout 指：影响力或权力，尤指在政治或商业上。习语 clout list 是指在政治、商业或其他领域有背景、有靠山的关系户名单；有影响力的名单。他们因为有关系，在录取或任命等过程中得到优先考虑。
原文举例
Even though he didn’t do well in school, his father’s connections to state senators and local politicians enabled him to be put on the university’s clout list, and he eventually gained admission.
尽管他在学校表现不佳，但他父亲与州参议员和当地政客的关系使他进入了这所大学的影关系户名单，最终他被录取了。
Gov. Blagojevich’s office kept a clout list of hundreds of state employees recommended by lobbyists, lawmakers and major fund-raisers.
布拉戈耶维奇州长办公室保留着一份由说客、议员和主要筹款人推荐的数百名州政府雇员的影响力名单。
The Tribune series reported that University of Illinois compiled an applicant clout list based on lobbying by government officials. Some on the list won admission despite protests by some U of I officials that they didn’t meet the standards. The series is a nonstory, according to the law professors.
《论坛报》系列报道称，伊利诺伊大学根据政府官员的游说编制了一份申请人关系户名单。尽管一些伊利诺伊大学官员抗议说他们这些关系户没有达到标准，但名单上的一些人还是被录取了。根据法学教授们的说法，这些报道毫无实质性内容。
