Question of the Day #475

"Quit or Join the 'Rat Race'?"
From the headline of this article at VOA Learning English.

上記の文で、rat raceの意味は？
In the sentence above, what does "rat race" mean?

答えは、コメントに書いてください。
Write your answer in the Comments.

明日、ここに答えを書きます。
I will add the answer and other remarks here tomorrow.

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解答

意味：
英辞郎によると、

1. ネズミの競争
2. 〈比喩・話〉激しい出世競争
3. 〈比喩・話〉〔仕事による〕多忙

1番目は正解の訳のわけがありませんね。で、この場合は、2番でも3番でも正解になります。

また、この記事そのものがrat raceというイディオムを解説しているので、是非読んでみましょう。

Answer

According to Merriam-Webster:

the unpleasant life of people who have jobs that require them to work very hard in order to compete with others for money, power, status, etc.

Etymology/語源

Dictionary.comによると、

1935-40年に遡る米英語。

According to Dictionary.com:

An Americanism dating back to 1935–40

Examples

• She is quitting the rat race to spend time with her family.
• He decided to get out of the rat race, and went to work on a farm.
• I had to get out of the rat race and take a look at the real world again.
• AN INTREPID couple have turned their backs on the rat race to embark on a round-the-world sailing trip – with their kids and pet cat in tow. (The Sun)
• The man has been in a rat race all his life. No wonder he is enjoying his retired life to the fullest.

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