杂七杂八 (zá qī zá bā) — (idiom) odds and ends; miscellaneous things; (idiom) jumbled; all mixed together

Definition

Colloquial idiom for a disorganized mix of various small, unimportant things (objects, tasks, chores). The 七 / 八 just echo the sound for a rambling, messy feel — no literal meaning.

idiom
odds and endsmiscellaneous thingsjumbledall mixed together

Examples

  • 杂七杂八
    Tā chōu ti lǐ quán shì zá qī zá bā de dōng xī, gāi zhěng lǐ yí xià le.
    His drawer is full of odds and ends — he ought to tidy it up.
  • 杂七杂八
    Zhè xiē zá qī zá bā de zī liào méi shén me yòng, kě yǐ rēng le.
    These miscellaneous documents are useless and can be thrown away.
  • 杂七杂八
    Bié bǎ zá qī zá bā de shì dōu tuī dào míng tiān zuò.
    Don't put off all the jumbled little tasks until tomorrow.

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