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把柄 (bǎ bǐng) — (figurative) something that can be used against someone; leverage; (literal) handle (of a tool, weapon, etc.)

Definition

Literally the 'handle' of a tool or weapon (same as 把手). Figuratively, a weakness or piece of evidence someone can use against you — English 'leverage'.

noun
(figurative) something that can be used against someoneleverage(literal) handle (of a tool, weapon, etc.)
Measure word · 个

Examples

  • ，把柄。
    Tā zuò shì bù jǐn shèn, gěi rén liú xià le bǎ bǐng.
    He is not careful in his actions, leaving leverage for others.
  • ，把柄。
    Nǐ shuō huà yào zhù yì, bié ràng rén zhuā zhù bǎ bǐng.
    You should be careful with your words; don't let people catch leverage.
  • 把柄。
    Zhè bǎ cài dāo de bǎ bǐng shì mù tou zuò de.
    The handle of this kitchen knife is made of wood.

Origin

Compound word
构词法gòucífǎ
联合liánhéCoordinate

Two parts of equal weight, alike or opposite in meaning, standing side by side.

把bǎhandle
柄bǐnghandle

把 'handle' and 柄 'handle' are parallel, so a handle or leverage.

Characters in this word

Most characters — around four in five — are built this way: one part hints at the meaning, the other at the pronunciation.

Meaning part形符xíngfú
扌Written in full as手shǒuhand
Sound part声符shēngfú
巴
巴bā把bǎ
Same sound today

把 combines 扌, a hand, with 巴 for its sound.

Open 把 →

Most characters — around four in five — are built this way: one part hints at the meaning, the other at the pronunciation.

Meaning part形符xíngfú
木木mùwood
Sound part声符shēngfú
丙
丙bǐng柄bǐng
Same sound today

柄 shows a wooden handle: it combines 木 (wood) with 丙 for its sound.

Open 柄 →
Appears in
HSK 3.0 Level 7-9Abstract Concepts

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