美语词汇掌故第 19 课：Back, Shoulders and Chest: A Pat on the Back-1

There are many American expressions that use parts of the body. These include the eyes, ears, nose, mouth and even the heart.

Today we will tell you some expressions that use other body parts – the back, shoulders and chest.

When I am facing a lot of pressure at work, my back and neck will start to hurt.

Sometimes, this tension is the result of too much work. I have too many things to do because my supervisor is on my back all the time.

In other words, my employer is always telling me to do things.

Sometimes, I want to tell my employer to get off my back! I want her to stop criticizing me and making too many demands on my time.

I can not say this, however. I would never turn my back on her and refuse to help when there is a need.

If I did refuse to help, my supervisor might say bad things about me behind my back .

She might criticize me when I am not present. This would surely be a stab in the back .

It is never kind to unfairly harm or say bad things about other people.

Sometimes, when I am very productive in my job, my employer gives me a pat on the back . She praises my work.