The former method simply consists of setting an elephant to work and beating him until he does what is expected of him.
强硬法就是驱使象去干活，把它打到顺从为止。
新概念英语第四册
Lesson 41 Training elephants
📚 句中词汇解析
从本句中提取的重要词汇
adj. 以前的，从前的;在前的;前任的;
n. 模型，样板;构成者，创造者;起形成作用的人;[无线]线圈架;
💡 form=fore先前 + er表人\/物→前者
"A couple of them are former bosses."
有几位是以前的上司或老板。
近义：onetime, back, preceding, previous, prior, old
反义：hindmost, last, latest, rearmost, utmost, aftermost
n. 方法;条理;
💡 meth(meta-=after)+od(way)→方法；体系；秩序（=a way after,a following after）
"a reliable method of birth control"
可靠的节育措施
近义：approach, logic, logicality, manner, means, mode
adv. 简单地，朴素地;（引出概括或解释）不过，仅仅;简直;<非正>实在;
💡 sim一次 + ply 折叠 →折一次 → ad.简单地；朴素地
"The clock is simply for ornament; it doesn't work any more."
这架时钟纯属摆设，它再也不走了。
近义：just, merely, only, purely, solely, but
反义：elaborately, painfully, wearisomely, challengingly, hardly
n. 镶嵌;环境;装置;（某事、戏剧、小说等的）背景;
v. 放( set的现在分词);安插;树立;安排;
💡 sett安置好 + ing 名词后缀→ 安装，调整；环境
"Does the bank charge a fee for setting up the account?"
在这家银行开立账户要收费吗？
近义：background, tweak, adjusting, adjustment, fix, induration
n. 象，大象;
💡 大象尾巴上有蚂蚁(ant)
"The new office block has become an expensive white elephant."
这座新办公大楼成了昂贵的摆设。
近义：jumbo