龟缩 (guī) — to hole up; to withdraw into a defensive position (like a turtle pulling into its shell)

Definition

Literally 'turtle-shrinking' (a turtle withdrawing into its shell): to cower or hide defensively, often in an exaggerated, cowardly way. Carries a strongly negative tone — not a neutral 'stay home'.

verb
to hole upto withdraw into a defensive position (like a turtle pulling into its shell)

Examples

  • 龟缩
    Dí jūn yǐ jīng guī zài chéng lǐ, bù gǎn chū lái le.
    The enemy has holed up in the city and doesn't dare come out.
  • 龟缩
    Yù dào kùn nan bù néng zǒng shì yí wèi dì guī, yào yǒng gǎn miàn duì.
    When you encounter difficulties, you can't just hole up all the time; you must face them bravely.
  • 龟缩
    Zhè duàn shí jiān tā yì zhí guī zài jiā lǐ, shuí yě bú jiàn.
    During this time, he has been holed up at home, not seeing anyone.

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