释义 |
no better than you should be no better than (one) should beImmoral or perverse, especially having a tendency toward sexual promiscuity. Typically said of a woman. They are quite old-fashioned, and think a woman whose boyfriend spends the night is no better than she should be.See also: better, no, shouldno better than you should (or ought to) be regarded as sexually promiscuous or of doubtful moral character. This phrase dates back to the early 17th century. Used typically of a woman, it is now rather dated. 1998 Spectator ‘She's no better than she ought to be.’ (British mothers of my generation… often used that enigmatic phrase. They would use it about female neighbours of whom they disapproved, or women in low-cut dresses on television.) See also: better, no, should |