儒琴英语词汇选自欧美报刊文章以及英语原文小说。坚持学习英语今日词汇，有助于阅读和理解当今欧美主流媒体的新闻时事报道和英语文学作品。
儒琴英语词汇（English Words and Phrases of the Day）
step up to the plate
to take action when something needs to be done, even though this is difficult： take action in response to an opportunity or crisis.
着手开始某项工作；面对机会或危机采取行动 ; 承担起责任
In the wake of U.S. President Donald Trump’s confirmation that the U.S. will exit the World Health Organization — leaving a gaping financial and political hole in global health — Germany is trying to step up to the plate. （Politico）
在美国总统唐纳德·特朗普确认美国将退出世界卫生组织之后——这将给全球卫生留下一个巨大的财政和政治漏洞——德国正试图承担起责任。(欧洲政客网)
beat the rap
escape punishment for or be acquitted of a crime; to escape being punished for a crime you have been accused of
逃过刑事责任,逃脱责罚;
5 ways Steve Bannon could beat the rap: The former Trump adviser has more defense options than you might think. (Politico)
home in on sth/sb
to find and give a lot of attention to something or someone
集中注意力于
As he battled his way through a speech that appears in many parts to have bored him, Trump homed in on the theme of law and order. He was plainly indifferent to the pandemic sweeping across America. He offered what amounted to a presidential masterclass in political evasion. （National Interest）
vigilante
noun [ C ] /ˌvɪdʒ.əˈlæn.t̬i/
a person who tries in an unofficial way to prevent crime, or to catch and punish someone who has committed a crime, especially because they do not think that official organizations, such as the police, are controlling crime effectively. Vigilantes usually join together to form groups.
（尤指认为警方无法维持治安而自发组织起来的）治安会会员，治安维持者(Cambridge)
No calls to national unity. No pleas for reconciliation. No effort to recognize grievances or address them. Instead, Mr. Trump lionizes vigilantes and demonizes racial justice protesters, thereby inciting the former and enraging the latter. (Washington Post)
be spoiling for a fight
to be very eager to fight or argue (Cambridge)
按捺不住想打架；忍不住想争论
Local councillors are spoiling for a fight over plans to close two village schools. 当地市政委员们一心想就关闭两所乡村学校的计划进行争论。
This is a dangerous moment. Citizens armed with paintball guns, chemical sprays, handguns and assault weapons are appearing in the streets, spoiling for a fight. In Portland, Kenosha and elsewhere, the police are beleaguered; some are welcoming or encouraging vigilantes. (Washington Post)
