in the cradle1.(指事物)在初期;在发展初期：This theory is still in the cradle，there is every possibility that it will develop into a new branch of science in the future.这个理论尚处于发展初期，非常可能将来要发展成一门新的科学分支。2.(指人)在幼年时期：His parents took many photos of him when he was in the cradle.他幼年时期，他的父母给他照了许多照片。 |