The least someone can/could do:the smallest or easiest thing that someone can or should do. (我最起码能做的;我至少能做的。经常用于强调某人有义务、有责任做的最起码的工作,或者用于礼貌的回应他人的答谢。)
以下是高频短语“The least sb can do”在美剧《绝望的主妇》中的应用举例:
E.G.1:Well, the least I could do is make sure you boys had a decent meal to look forward to in the morning. (DH S01E01 06:00)
参考翻译:好吧,我最起码能够做的就是让你们在早上有一顿像样的早餐可以期待。
E.G.2:Well, then, the least we can do is to search his room, and if we find any more of these, we’ll confiscate them. (DH S01E15 01:37)
参考翻译:呃,至少我们可以去搜他的屋子,如果发现还有更多的(避孕套)我们就没收。
E.G.3:Thank you for clearing things up. — Oh, well, it was the least I could do. (DH S03E11 12:18)
参考翻译:谢谢你来澄清事实。– 哦,这是我最起码能做的(能尽的绵薄之力)。
E.G.4:Come on, honey, I’m just helping her out. It’s the least I can do. (DH S01E20 16:35)
参考翻译:拜托,亲爱的,我只是帮了她一把,这点小忙我还是得帮的。