| 释义 |
ˈplain ˈsailing, n.
[prob. a popular use of plane sailing, formerly also spelt plain sailing; but used with sense of plain a.1 3.]
Sailing or going on in a plain course, in which there is no difficulty or obstruction; simple or easy course of action.
1756N. Owen Jrnl. Slave-Dealer (1930) 67 If he can take an observation and is acquainted with that part of navagation call'd plain sailing, without any of the practical part of seamanship. 1823J. F. Cooper Pilot I. xii. 152 This is what the lads would call plain sailing..; they are out of employment [etc.]. 1827H. Steuart Planter's G. (1828) 493 It must be all ‘plain sailing’, as the seamen say, and no sudden turns, intricacies, or narrow passes. 1842F. E. Paget Milf. Malv. 209 So far all was plain sailing, as the saying is; but Mr. Till knew that his main difficulties were yet to come. 1867Trollope Chron. Barset I. xxxiv. 292 These things are never plain sailing, my dear. 1916G. B. Shaw Androcles & Lion Pref. p. xxiv, Without the proper clues the gospels are, to a modern educated person, nonsensical and incredible... But with the clues, they are fairly plain sailing. Jesus becomes an intelligible and consistent person. 1955Times 29 June 13/3 It is not all plain sailing. Difficulties have to be overcome, for example, in disposing of ‘contract’ vehicles because of the contract terms.
So ˈplain-ˌsailing a., straightforward in action.
1807Knox & Jebb Corr. I. 344 With all possible rectitude of heart, he has not a plain-sailing mind. 1887Rider Haggard Jess iv, Happy, healthy, plain-sailing Bessie. |