rat race
复数形式
rat races
1
老鼠赛跑, 激烈竞争的生活
a draining and stressful lifestyle that consists of constantly competing with others for success, wealth, power, etc. and so leaving no room for rest and pleasure
The term "rat race" originates from the world of rat-catching, where rats were pitted against each other and the winner was the one that escaped. This idiom is typically used to describe the hectic and competitive nature of modern life, particularly in urban areas.
- By the time he retired, he had been in the rat race for over three decades and was ready for a slower pace of life.
到他退休时，他已经在激烈的竞争中奔波了三十多年，准备好迎接更慢的生活节奏。
- He burned out after years of participating in the rat race and decided to take a sabbatical.
在多年参与老鼠赛跑后，他筋疲力尽，决定休假一段时间。
- Many people feel trapped in the rat race of their jobs and long for more meaningful work.
许多人感到被困在工作的激烈竞争中，渴望更有意义的工作。
- She has been stuck in the rat race for years, working long hours and sacrificing her personal life for her career.
她多年来一直困在老鼠赛跑中，长时间工作并为事业牺牲个人生活。