Definition
小鞋 is a fixed idiom (idiom) that literally means 'small shoes'. Figuratively, it refers to a superior deliberately making trouble for a subordinate — often through unfair rules, excessive demands, or covert punishment. You'll almost always see it in the verb phrase 穿小鞋 (chuān xiǎo xié, 'to wear small shoes'), meaning 'to be given a hard time'. This is a culturally loaded expression with no single English equivalent; avoid translating literally.
idiom
to deliberately make things difficult for someone (especially a superior toward a subordinate)
Examples
- ，小鞋。Tā yīnwèi tí yìjiàn, bèi lǐngdǎo chuān le xiǎo xié.Because he offered feedback, his boss made trouble for him.
- 小鞋，。Tā hàipà bèi chuān xiǎo xié, suǒyǐ bù gǎn biǎodá bùtóng yìjiàn.She's afraid of being given a hard time, so she doesn't dare express dissent.
- 小鞋。Nàge dānwèi de guǎnlǐzhě jīngcháng gěi xiàshǔ chuān xiǎo xié.The manager of that unit often makes trouble for subordinates.
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