Definition
东躲西藏 is a four-character idiom (成语) that literally means 'hide east, hide west' — it describes someone hiding or fleeing from place to place, usually to avoid being caught, found, or pursued. The pattern 东…西… (east…west…) emphasizes scattered or repeated actions across different locations. You can use it for physical hiding or figuratively for dodging responsibilities.
v.p.
to hide from place to placeto be on the runto dodge about
Examples
- ,东躲西藏。Tā wèile duǒbì zhuībǔ, yìzhí zài wàimiàn dōng duǒ xī cáng.He has been on the run outside, hiding from place to place to avoid capture.
- 东躲西藏,。Xiǎotōu dōng duǒ xī cáng, zuìhòu háishì bèi jǐngchá zhuāzhù le.The thief dodged from place to place but was finally caught by the police.
- 东躲西藏,。Bié dōng duǒ xī cáng le, chūlái bǎ wèntí shuō qīngchu.Stop dodging around — come out and explain the issue clearly.
Browse more HSK 7-9 words or search the full 43,000-word dictionary.