钻空子 (zuān kòng zi) — to exploit a loophole; to take advantage of a flaw or gap (in rules, laws, policies, etc., often with unethical intent)
Definition
钻空子 means to exploit a loophole in rules or laws for personal gain, typically with an unethical edge — distinct from 可乘之机, which names the opportunity itself rather than the act of exploiting it.
phrase
to exploit a loopholeto take advantage of a flaw or gap (in rules, laws, policies, etc., often with unethical intent)
Examples
- 钻空子，。Tā lì yòng fǎ lǜ lòu dòng zuān kòng zi, zuì hòu bèi fá kuǎn le.He exploited a legal loophole and was eventually fined.
- ，。Zhè jiā gōng sī zuàn le shuì wù guī dìng de kòng zi, shǎo jiāo le hěn duō shuì.This company exploited a loophole in tax regulations and paid much less tax.
- ，钻空子。Wǒ men yīng gāi wán shàn zhì dù, fáng zhǐ yǒu rén zuān kòng zi.We should improve the system to prevent people from exploiting loopholes.
Appears in
Browse more HSK 7-9 words or search the full 43,000-word dictionary.