开小灶 (kāi xiǎo zào) — to give preferential treatment, to favor someone specially (often by offering extra help or resources)
Definition
开小灶 literally means to run a small private stove — i.e. to give someone extra, one-on-one coaching or special treatment behind the scenes. Always implies favoritism or privileged access, not fair, equal help.
verb
to give preferential treatmentto favor someone specially (often by offering extra help or resources)
Examples
- 开小灶，。Lǎo shī duì zhè ge xué shēng kāi xiǎo zào, kè hòu jīng cháng dān dú fǔ dǎo.The teacher gave this student special treatment, often tutoring him alone after class.
- ，。Dà jiā dōu jué de lǎo bǎn gěi tā kāi le xiǎo zào, ràng tā shēng dé nà me kuài.Everyone felt the boss gave him special favors, letting him get promoted so fast.
- ，开小灶。Zhè cì péi xùn zhǐ yǒu jǐ gè hé xīn yuán gōng néng cān jiā, suàn shì gōng sī kāi xiǎo zào le.Only a few core employees can attend this training; it's like the company is giving them special treatment.
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