拱手 (gǒng shǒu) — (verb-object) to make a traditional Chinese gesture of respect by cupping one hand in the other in front of the chest; (figurative) to yield submissively; to give up without a fight

Definition

拱手 is a traditional gesture: cup one hand in the other at chest height to show respect or greet (used with 致意, 感谢). Figuratively, it means to give something up willingly — handing over an opportunity without resistance.

verb
(verb-object) to make a traditional Chinese gesture of respect by cupping one hand in the other in front of the chest(figurative) to yield submissivelyto give up without a fight

Examples

  • Tā xiàng lǎo shī gǒng le gǒng shǒu, biǎo shì gǎn xiè.
    He cupped his hands to the teacher to express thanks.
  • 拱手
    Zài wǔ shù biǎo yǎn kāi shǐ qián, xuǎn shǒu men hù xiāng gǒng shǒu zhì yì.
    Before the martial arts performance began, the competitors greeted each other with cupped hands.
  • 拱手
    Tā gǒng shǒu bǎ jī huì ràng gěi le bié rén.
    He submissively gave the opportunity to someone else.

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