The former method simply consists of setting an elephant to work and beating him until he does what is expected of him.
強硬法就是驅(qū)使象去干活，把它打到順從為止。
新概念英語第四冊
Lesson 41 Training elephants
?? 句中詞匯解析
從本句中提取的重要詞匯
adj. 以前的，從前的;在前的;前任的;
n. 模型，樣板;構(gòu)成者，創(chuàng)造者;起形成作用的人;[無線]線圈架;
?? form=fore先前 + er表人\/物→前者
"A couple of them are former bosses."
有幾位是以前的上司或老板。
近義：onetime, back, preceding, previous, prior, old
反義：hindmost, last, latest, rearmost, utmost, aftermost
n. 方法;條理;
?? meth(meta-=after)+od(way)→方法；體系；秩序（=a way after,a following after）
"a reliable method of birth control"
可靠的節(jié)育措施
近義：approach, logic, logicality, manner, means, mode
adv. 簡單地，樸素地;（引出概括或解釋）不過，僅僅;簡直;<非正>實在;
?? sim一次 + ply 折疊 →折一次 → ad.簡單地；樸素地
"The clock is simply for ornament; it doesn't work any more."
這架時鐘純屬擺設(shè)，它再也不走了。
近義：just, merely, only, purely, solely, but
反義：elaborately, painfully, wearisomely, challengingly, hardly
n. 鑲嵌;環(huán)境;裝置;（某事、戲劇、小說等的）背景;
v. 放( set的現(xiàn)在分詞);安插;樹立;安排;
?? sett安置好 + ing 名詞后綴→ 安裝，調(diào)整；環(huán)境
"Does the bank charge a fee for setting up the account?"
在這家銀行開立賬戶要收費嗎？
近義：background, tweak, adjusting, adjustment, fix, induration
n. 象，大象;
?? 大象尾巴上有螞蟻(ant)
"The new office block has become an expensive white elephant."
這座新辦公大樓成了昂貴的擺設(shè)。
近義：jumbo