Definition
染指 literally means 'dip a finger' and comes from a story in historical records where a court official dipped his finger into a dish to taste it before the king. Today it is used figuratively for getting involved in something improper or illegal, often to take a share of illicit profits. It carries a strong negative connotation.
id.
to have a hand in (something improper or illegal)to take a cut of illicit profits
Examples
- 染指。Zhè jiā gōngsī de gāoguǎn rǎn zhǐ le fēifǎ jiāoyì.The executives of this company had a hand in illegal transactions.
- 染指。Tā yīnwèi rǎn zhǐ hēishì lìrùn ér bèi diàochá.He is under investigation for taking a cut of black market profits.
- ，染指。Zhè jiàn shì hěn mǐngǎn, nǐ bú yào rǎn zhǐ.This matter is sensitive; don't get involved.
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