for the asking看着像介词短语,但在口语中已用作短语名词了,含义是“一张嘴就能得到的东西”,如
【例句1】With three years' experience behind her, the promotion was Kate's for the asking. (凭借三年的经验,这次晋升是凯特一张嘴就得到了。)[剑桥高级学者辞典]
该表达结构是someone's for the asking。显然这不是正式用法。也可能因为不正式,所以对人称所有格就是愣这样用。
再如
【例句2】The job is yours for the asking. (只要张嘴,这个工作就是你的)[牛津高级学者辞典]
【例句3】The job was hers for the asking. (只要张嘴,这个工作就是她的)[朗文当代英语词典]
【例句4】He knew the nomination was his for the asking. (他知道只要他张嘴,这个提名就是他的。) [柯林斯高级学者辞典]
对【例句2,3,4】,for the asking理解为条件状语更逻辑一些。
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