毛手毛脚 (máo shǒu máo jiǎ) — clumsy, careless, rough in movement (often breaking things due to haste); (of a man toward a woman) overly familiar, offhanded, taking liberties
Definition
Two distinct senses: (1) clumsy and careless in handling things, often breaking them by rushing; (2) acting overly familiar or taking liberties, usually with women. Both senses imply a lack of care or restraint.
idiom
clumsycarelessrough in movement (often breaking things due to haste)(of a man toward a woman) overly familiaroffhandedtaking liberties
Examples
- 毛手毛脚，。Tā zuò shì zǒng shì máo shǒu máo jiǎ, dǎ suì le hǎo jǐ gè bēi zi.He's always so clumsy when doing things — he's broken several cups.
- 毛手毛脚。Zài gōng gòng chǎng hé duì nǚ shēng máo shǒu máo jiǎ shì fēi cháng bù lǐ mào de.It's very rude to take liberties with women in public.
- 毛手毛脚，。Wǒ xián tā máo shǒu máo jiǎ, nìng yuàn zì jǐ dòng shǒu.I found him too careless, so I preferred to do it myself.
Origin
Compound word构词法gòucífǎ
联合liánhéCoordinate
Two parts of equal weight, alike or opposite in meaning, standing side by side.
毛 clumsy 手 and 脚 together picture awkward, hasty movement or overfamiliar handling.
Appears in
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