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词汇 woolgathering
词源
woolgathering. In the past, and perhaps even today, people wandered the countryside gathering bits of wool from hedges and bushes that sheep had brushed against. These actual “wool- gatherers,” often children, went about their work aimlessly, of- ten frolicking in the fields, never able to do their job systemati- cally because the sheep were scattered all over. There wasn’t much money to be gained in such an occupation, either. So as far back as the 16th century this literal woolgathering suggested our expression woolgathering, meaning unprofitable or trivial employment, absentminded inattention, purposeless thinking, or aimless reverie.
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更新时间:2025/5/1 13:44:44