马脚 (mǎ jiǎ) — a slip or clue that gives away a secret; something that reveals the truth
Definition
Used only in the set phrase 露出马脚 / 露马脚 — a small slip that exposes a hidden truth or scheme. Literally 'horse's foot', it refers to a flaw that shouldn't be visible.
noun
a slip or clue that gives away a secretsomething that reveals the truth
Examples
- 马脚。Tā shuō huà shí bù xiǎo xīn lù chū le mǎ jiǎ.He accidentally let the cat out of the bag while talking.
- 马脚。Tā men de jì huà yīn wèi yí gè mǎ jiǎ ér shī bài le.Their plan failed because of a slip that gave them away.
- ，马脚。Tā yǐ wéi zuò dé tiān yī wú fèng, dàn hái shì liú xià le mǎ jiǎ.She thought she had covered all traces, but she still left a clue behind.
Appears in
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