Basic Info Figurative Definition It means to be driven by injustice, oppression, or desperate circumstances into rebellion or into doing something one would never have chosen otherwise. The person is not a natural rebel or wrongdoer – they are pushed to the edge until resistance becomes the only option left. It is used to…

Basic Info Figurative Definition It describes forcing someone who is innocent, decent, or unwilling to do something degrading, shameful, or wrong – especially when they have no real choice. The literal image is of a woman from a respectable family being coerced into prostitution; the broader meaning is compelling a good person into a…

Basic Info Also written as “笨嘴笨舌” (bèn zuǐ bèn shé). The image is of someone whose mouth and tongue refuse to cooperate – words come out fumbling, hesitant, or poorly expressed. Figurative Definition It describes a person who is not good with words – inarticulate, tongue-tied, or lacking eloquence. Such a person may have…

Basic Info The image is of someone whose hands and feet seem to lack coordination – fumbling, tripping over themselves, and generally awkward in physical movement or manual tasks. Figurative Definition It describes a person who is physically awkward, clumsy, and uncoordinated – someone who drops things, bumps into objects, or performs manual tasks…

Basic Info The image is of a bird that knows it is not a strong flyer, so it takes off before the others – relying on an early start rather than natural speed. Figurative Definition It means that a person of lesser ability, afraid of falling behind, starts earlier and works harder than others…