前前后后 (qián qián hòu hòu) — the whole story, the ins and outs (of a matter); altogether, in total (sum of time, money, or events)
Definition
An idiom meaning 'the whole story' (every stage and detail of a matter) or 'altogether/in total'. Often modifies a noun like 事情, or pairs with 一共 to sum up time, money, or events.
idiom
the whole storythe ins and outs (of a matter)altogetherin total (sum of time, money, or events)
Examples
- 前前后后。Tā bǎ shì qing de qián qián hòu hòu dōu gào sù le wǒ.He told me the whole story (the ins and outs) of the matter.
- 前前后后。Zhǐ yǒu liǎo jiě shì qing de qián qián hòu hòu cái néng zuò chū pàn duàn.Only by understanding the ins and outs of the matter can you make a judgment.
- 前前后后。Zhè cì lǚ xíng qián qián hòu hòu yí gòng huā le wǔ qiān kuài qián.This trip cost altogether five thousand yuan.
Browse more HSK 7-9 words or search the full 43,000-word dictionary.