来自balk, 词义由畏缩到倔强，可能来自人们对马的误解。马在察觉到有危险时，通常会因恐惧而不肯前进，被理解成不听使唤。

1. The balky engine sputtered and stopped.

不听使唤的发动机劈啪作响地停了下来。

2. More and more he admired Franklin Roosevelt's ability to drive this balky team.

他越来越钦佩弗兰克林·罗斯福驾驭这套总是停蹄不前的马车的本领.

3. They'll also get Chris Mihm back shortly from his lengthy bout with a balky ankle.

在不久的未来,湖人还将迎来许久因膝伤缺席的米姆.

4. Kaleri didn't believe the sound was from balky equipment ; rather It'seemed to originate from outside.

他认为那声音应该不是太空站机械运转不顺所引起, 比较像是由太空站外部传来的.