イギリス英会話ブログ

Some idioms related to driving presented in the context of a conversation between a driver and a passenger.

• Marie : Thanks for giving me a lift - I appreciate it.
• Ed : That’s OK. The station’s on my way, so it’s no problem.
• Marie : My train’s at 10 - do you think we can make it?
• Ed : Sure. I’ll step on it.

1. give (someone) a lift - 乗せてあげる・（自分の車で）連れて行く
2. on my way - 私が通る道の途中にある
3. make it - 間に合う　(’Did you make your train?’ - 電車の間に合った？)
4. step on it - アクセルを踏む・早く走行する

• Alan : Could you keep your eyes open for a 7-ELEVEN? I’d like to buy some coffee.
• Sally : Sure. I’m out of cigarettes as well…

1. keep your eyes open for - - look out for, watch for
2. out of - （何かが）なくなった (cf.’running low on’ - (残りが)すくなくなっている)

• Kate : Watch out! You almost hit that cyclist.
• Jack : OK. Take it easy! I was nowhere near him.
• Kate : Jack, slow down a bit. You don’t want to get a ticket.
• Jack : Kate, will you please stop being such a backseat driver.

1. almost hit - もう少しでぶつかるとこだった
2. take it easy - 落ち着いてよ
3. a ticket - 警察に捕まる時に渡される罰金通知
4. a backseat driver - 運転手に一つ一つ注意をする乗客。後ろの席から運転しようとしているような意味。

Expressions also used about trouble with the police when driving are :

1. get done for (speeding, illegal parking, etc..) - 「やられちゃう」という感じですね。
2. get pulled over by the police - 文字通りに「警察に止められる」