扫尾 (sǎo wěi) — to wrap up the final part (of a job or project), to finish off remaining tasks

Definition

扫尾 is a separable verb meaning 'to wrap up' the final loose ends of a job or project — the last stage of finishing. Split as 扫…尾 with the object (e.g. 扫尾) between the two characters.

verb
to wrap up the final part (of a job or project)to finish off remaining tasks

Examples

  • 扫尾。
    Hái yǒu yì diǎn sǎo wěi gōng zuò yào zuò.
    There are still some finishing-up tasks to do.
  • 。
    Zhè ge xiàng mù hái dé sǎo jǐ tiān de wěi.
    This project still needs a few more days of wrapping up.
  • 扫尾，。
    Nǐ fù zé sǎo wěi, wǒ fù zé zhǔn bèi xià yì jiē duàn.
    You take care of the wrap-up, and I'll prepare for the next phase.

Origin

Compound word
构词法gòucífǎ
动宾dòngbīnVerb + object

An action followed by what it acts on, fused into one word.

扫sǎosweep
尾wěitail

“扫” sweep and “尾” tail suggest finishing the last part.

Characters in this word

Two or more meaningful parts placed together so that their meanings combine into a new one.

This origin belongs to the traditional form 掃; 扫 is its simplified writing.

The form 掃 draws a hand with a broomstick, the thing used for sweeping.

Open 扫 →

Two or more meaningful parts placed together so that their meanings combine into a new one.

The form 尾 combines 尸 (person) and 毛 (hair; feather).

Open 尾 →

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