lifeline(名词):生命线;救命稻草;紧急援助渠道/求助热线。常指在危急时刻提供帮助或支持的人、物或方式。
/ˈlaɪfˌlaɪn/
The local clinic became a lifeline during the flood.
洪水期间,当地诊所成了人们的生命线。
For small businesses, a low-interest loan can be a lifeline that helps them survive a slow season and keep employees on payroll.
对小企业来说,低息贷款可能是一根救命稻草,帮助它们熬过淡季并继续给员工发工资。
lifeline由 life(生命)+ line(线、线路)构成,原义带有“维系生命的线/绳索”的形象(如救生绳、救援绳)。后来语义扩展为更抽象的“关键支持”“紧急援助渠道”,也常用于指求助热线等。