ESL Podcast 640 – Being Genuine and False

　　Javier: I saw Terry cozying up to you this morning. What was that about?
Floriane: He was just offering me some advice on my first proposal.
Javier: Sure, he was. What were his true intentions?
Floriane: I think he was being upfront about wanting to help a new employee. I don’t think he had an ulterior motive¹.
Javier: I wouldn’t take Terry at face value. He has a reputation around the office of being two- faced. He’ll try to get to know you under false pretenses² and then stab you in the back.
Floriane: I don’t get that feeling from Terry. He seemed genuine and open. By the way, was there something you needed?
Javier: Me? No. I was just trying to watch out for you.
Floriane: In that case, I’d better get back to work, and I’ll keep your warning in mind. I’ll beware of anyone giving me advice who may have an ulterior motive.
Script by Dr. Lucy Tse

1 motive   

n.动机，目的；adv.发动的，运动的

参考例句：

• The police could not find a motive for the murder.警察不能找到谋杀的动机。
• He had some motive in telling this fable.他讲这寓言故事是有用意的。

2 pretenses   

n.借口（pretense的复数形式）

参考例句：

• They obtained money under the false pretenses of patriotism. 他们以虚伪的爱国主义为借口获得金钱。 来自《简明英汉词典》
• He obtained money from her under false pretenses. 他巧立名目从她那儿骗钱。 来自辞典例句