一鼻子灰 (yī bí zǐ huī) — to be rebuffed; to meet with rejection; to run into a stone wall (after trying to please or approach someone)

Definition

An idiom meaning to be rebuffed or snubbed after trying to please or approach someone — often a futile attempt that earns only a cold shoulder. The image is literal: one noseful of dust, with no warmth in return.

idiom
to be rebuffedto meet with rejectionto run into a stone wall (after trying to please or approach someone)

Examples

  • Tā qù xiàng lǎo bǎn qǐng jià, jié guǒ pèng le yì bí zi huī.
    He went to ask the boss for leave, and ended up being rebuffed.
  • Tā xiǎng gěi tóng shì bāng máng, méi xiǎng dào què tǎo le gè yì bí zi huī.
    She wanted to help a colleague, but unexpectedly got a cold shoulder.
  • Nǐ bié qù tuī jiàn le, xiǎo xīn yòu pèng yì bí zi huī.
    Don't bother recommending — you might get rejected again.

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