Money makes the mare go.有钱能使鬼推磨。
以上英汉两句谚语正好巧合,可称之为“happy translation”。mare是性情很倔强的驴子,“鬼”是虚无的,金钱居然能使唤倔强的驴子或虚无的鬼,足见它是万能的。
类似意思的谚语还很多:
Money talks.(talk有举足轻重的意思)
Before gold, even kings take off their hats.
在黄金面前,国王也要致敬。
Money is the key that opens all doors.
A golden key opens every door.
金钱/金子是打开每一扇门的万能钥匙。
All things are obedient to money.
一切服从于金钱。
Wealth makes worship.
财富能使人拜倒。
中国有句俗语“衙门八字开,有理无钱莫进来。”这是说只有有钱人才能打赢官司。
以上这些谚语都是对拜金主义者的嘲笑。那么金钱果真是万能的吗?这可参阅另一条谚语:What is wealth good for, if it brings melancholy?