Language Cafe: Fly on the wall

Definition: Someone who can secretly see and hear what happens

Origin: This is an American phrase that originated there in the 1920s. The first citation of it that I can find is from The Oakland Tribune, February 1921: 'I'd just love to be a fly on the wall when the Right Man comes along.' It is now most often used in relation to 'fly on the wall documentaries', which are films of real life situations supposedly made without affecting the behaviour of the participants.

A

Be careful what you say since there could be flies on the wall all the time and everywhere. Look at all the cameras!

说话小心点，现在随时随地都隔墙有耳，看看到处都是摄像头。

B

I wish I could have been a fly on the wall when they discussed my future.

他们讨论我的将来时，我真希望能听得到。

C

It would have been great if I could have been a fly on the wall when they were deciding how they were going to vote.（最后一句依然留给大家来翻译。）

Language Cafe 由国际台首席英文主播、金话筒奖得主、资深英语教师曼玲与外籍主持人精心挑选地道英文表达，以轻松愉快的聊天形式让听众过耳不失，学以致用。

Carefully picked by Manling, A prime broadcaster for CRI's English service, also a seasoned English teacher, and her native English co-host, these authentic words and expressions are presented to listeners with empowered vocal images. Walk through our show,and they will be yours!