Definition
钻空子 (zuān kòng zi) is a separable phrase meaning 'to exploit a loophole' — it always implies taking advantage of a flaw in rules, laws, or systems for unethical gain. It is distinct from 可乘之机 (kě chéng zhī jī), which is a noun phrase for 'an exploitable opportunity' itself, not the act of exploiting it. The other listed siblings are not near-synonyms; they relate to rules (遵守, 制定) or general actions (采取, 变动) without the loophole-exploitation meaning.
phrase
to exploit a loopholeto take advantage of a flaw or gap (in rules, laws, policies, etc., often with unethical intent)
Examples
- 钻空子，。Tā lìyòng fǎlǜ lòudòng zuān kòng zi, zuìhòu bèi fákuǎn le.He exploited a legal loophole and was eventually fined.
- ，。Zhè jiā gōngsī zuān le shuìwù guīdìng de kòngzi, shǎo jiāo le hěn duō shuì.This company exploited a loophole in tax regulations and paid much less tax.
- ，钻空子。Wǒmen yīnggāi wánshàn zhìdù, fángzhǐ yǒurén zuān kòng zi.We should improve the system to prevent people from exploiting loopholes.
Browse more HSK 7-9 words or search the full 43,000-word dictionary.