Definition
扣子 is a noun that primarily refers to a button used on clothing to fasten it. It can also mean a knot tied in a rope or string. In figurative use, 扣子 describes a bottleneck or obstacle in a process, or a critical point in a story that creates suspense (like a cliffhanger). The core idea is something that ties, fastens, or blocks.
n.
button (on clothing)knot (in a string or rope)bottleneckobstaclecritical point that holds up progress
Examples
- 扣子，。Zhè jiàn yīfu quē le yì kē kòu zi, yào fèng yí gè.This shirt is missing a button; I need to sew one on.
- 扣子，。Tā shúliàn de dǎ le yí gè kòu zi, jì jǐn le shéngzi.She skillfully tied a knot and tightened the rope.
- 扣子。Zhège xiàngmù de kòu zi zàiyú zījīn bùzú.The bottleneck of this project is insufficient funds.
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