backyard; rear courtyard; inner circle; internal matters
Meanings
2 senses · 6 examplesnoun
backyard; rear courtyard
Refers to the enclosed area behind the main house in a traditional Chinese residential compound.
Grandma planted many flowers in the backyard.
The children are playing in the backyard.
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Our backyard is very small and can only be used for drying clothes.
noun
inner circle; internal matters; behind-the-scenes sphere
informalUsed metaphorically to refer to one's private life, family, organization's internal affairs, or a secure rear area. The idiom '起火' (catch fire) vividly means internal conflict or trouble.
The company's internal affairs are in turmoil; several senior executives had a falling-out.
He focuses on the front line of work while keeping his rear secure.
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If a politician cannot stabilize their private life, their political career will also be affected.