Definition
头绪 literally means 'head threads' — the loose ends of a skein of silk. Figuratively, it refers to the main threads or starting points of a complex situation, especially when you are trying to figure out where to begin or how to unravel something. You often see it in negative constructions like 没有头绪 ('have no clue how to proceed') or 理出头绪 ('sort things out').
n.
main threads or key points (of a complex matter)clueway to proceed (especially in an investigation or difficult task)
Examples
- ,头绪。Zhège wèntí tài fùzá, wǒ yì diǎn tóu xù dōu méiyǒu.This problem is too complicated, I have no idea where to start.
- ,头绪。Jǐngchá zhèngzài diàochá, yǐjīng zhǎodào le yìxiē tóu xù.The police are investigating and have already found some leads.
- 。Tā huā le yì zhěng gè xiàwǔ cái lǐ chū tóu xù.He spent the whole afternoon getting things sorted out.
Browse more HSK 7-9 words or search the full 43,000-word dictionary.