方便之门 (fāng biàn zhī mén) — (idiom) a convenient way or opportunity, often obtained through improper means; backdoor access

Definition

A set phrase for a 'backdoor' or unfair shortcut — usually opportunities gained through connections or improper means. Almost always carries a negative tone, unlike the neutral adjective 方便.

idiom
a convenient way or opportunity, often obtained through improper meansbackdoor access

Examples

  • ，方便之门。
    Tā lì yòng guān xì, wèi zì jǐ dǎ kāi le fāng biàn zhī mén.
    He used his connections to open a convenient backdoor for himself.
  • 方便之门。
    Gōng sī yán jìn yuán gōng lì yòng zhí wù zhī biàn kāi fāng biàn zhī mén.
    The company strictly prohibits employees from using their positions to create improper conveniences.
  • 方便之门，。
    Zhè zhǒng fāng biàn zhī mén yí dàn kāi le, jiù hěn nán zài guān shàng.
    Once this kind of backdoor is opened, it's very hard to close again.

Origin

Characters in this word

No reliable origin is recorded for this character.

Open 方 →

Two or more meaningful parts placed together so that their meanings combine into a new one.

便 pairs 亻 (person) with 更 (to change), showing a person changing posture to become comfortable.

Open 便 →

Two or more meaningful parts placed together so that their meanings combine into a new one.

The shape pairs 止, a foot, with 一, a beginning place, and means to go.

Open 之 →

A drawing of the thing itself, worn down over three thousand years into a few strokes.

This origin belongs to the traditional form 門; 门 is its simplified writing.

The traditional form 門 pictures a gate as two door shapes side by side; the simplified 门 is a later shorthand.

Open 门 →

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