修修补补 (xiū xiū bǔ bǔ) — to patch up (in small, repeated ways); to tinker with; to make piecemeal repairs
Definition
An ABB-style verb phrase meaning to make repeated small fixes rather than a proper repair — implies the work is temporary and piecemeal. Often pairs with 维持 to suggest something is being held together by band-aids.
bound form
to patch up (in small, repeated ways)to tinker withto make piecemeal repairs
Examples
- 修修补补，。Zhè jiàn yī fu yǐ jīng xiū xiū bǔ bǔ hěn duō cì le, bù rú mǎi jiàn xīn de.This piece of clothing has been patched up many times — you might as well buy a new one.
- 修修补补，。Tā zǒng shì xiū xiū bǔ bǔ, cóng lái méi chè dǐ jiě jué wèn tí.He always just patches things up temporarily and never really solves the problem.
- 修修补补，。Zhè ge xì tǒng kào xiū xiū bǔ bǔ wéi chí le hěn duō nián, xiàn zài bì xū chóng xīn shè jì.This system has been kept going with piecemeal fixes for years; now it must be redesigned.
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