Definition
把柄 (bǎ bǐng) has two meanings: a literal handle (of a tool or weapon) and a figurative sense of 'leverage' or something that can be used against someone. For the literal meaning, it differs from 把手 (bǎ shou), which is a more general term for handles on doors, drawers, or containers. The figurative sense is unique to 把柄 and is commonly used in phrases like 抓住把柄 (catch leverage).
noun
(figurative) something that can be used against someoneleverage(literal) handle (of a tool, weapon, etc.)
Examples
- ，把柄。Tā zuò shì bù jǐnshèn, gěi rén liú xià le bǎ bǐng.He is not careful in his actions, leaving leverage for others.
- ，把柄。Nǐ shuōhuà yào zhùyì, bié ràng rén zhuā zhù bǎ bǐng.You should be careful with your words; don't let people catch leverage.
- 把柄。Zhè bǎ càidāo de bǎ bǐng shì mùtou zuò de.The handle of this kitchen knife is made of wood.
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