(1) 两个短语意思上差不多。cannot bring oneself to do sth.意思是“使自己不能/没法/不好做某事”,或是因为难做,或是因为不宜做,或是因为情面上不好意思做。常可译为“不能(做);没法(做);不(怎么)好(做)”,较常用于否定句和疑问句。
- She could not bring herself to tell her husband all about it.
她没有勇气把这件事全都告诉丈夫。
(2) cannot (very) well do sth.意为“不太好……;不便……;……不合适”。
- He said he could not (very) well say so in her presence.
他说当着她的面他不便那么说。 - I could not well turn down their invitation.
我不太好拒绝他们的邀请。