Definition
底线 (dǐ xiàn) primarily means 'bottom line' — the limit of what one is willing to accept (figurative). It differs from 界线 (jiè xiàn), which refers to a literal or abstract dividing line or boundary. In espionage contexts, 底线 can mean an informer/plant, while 间谍 (jiàn dié) is the general term for a spy.
noun
(figurative) bottom linethe limit of what one is willing to accept(sports) baseline(espionage) informerplant
Examples
- 底线，。Měi ge rén dōu yǒu zìjǐ de dǐ xiàn, bù néng suíbiàn tuǒxié.Everyone has their own bottom line and cannot compromise easily.
- 底线。Tā zài wǎngqiú dǐ xiàn fùjìn dǎ le yí gè piàoliang de kòushā.He hit a beautiful smash near the tennis baseline.
- 底线。Jǐngfāng huáiyí tā shì fànzuì jítuán ānchā de dǐ xiàn.The police suspect he is an informer planted by the criminal group.
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