Dave's ESL Cafe's Student Discussion Forums

[jasonlulu_2000]

i ran into some difficulties while reading:

1 Doing nothing is doing ill.
i cannot sort out a proper translation. Is it a particular proverb or saying?

2 This toy car comes in hot orange, with a single adjustable seat. But it could spoil them for that used car they'll be riding when they turn 16.

Does "in hot orange" refer to the color?

i cannot get a clue about "it could spoil them for that used car they'll be riding when they turn 16."
Why must the children ride "that used car" instead of a new car? What does "that used car" mean?

[Philo Kevetch]

Hello jasonlulu -

1) Proverbs, adages, idioms, etc. can be a little confusing....there are so many of them!

"The devil finds work for idle hands" = "Doing nothing is ill".
I think these sayings are a reflection of the "Protestant Work Ethic"
.... if you are not busy working, you will have time to get into trouble.

2) Yes, "hot orange" is a very bright and vibrant colo(u)r.

3) "that used car".... not all kids have parents willing (or able) to buy them a new car when they reach driving age (15 to 18 yrs.).

Many teens work part-time in order to buy their own first car and, consequently, have to settle for an older (cheaper) model.

So...compared to the image of the toy car they played with as children, they may be a little disappointed with an older second (or third) hand car they might be driving as teenagers.

Hope this helps...let me know if you need further explanation. Philo