carpenter's ink marker; rules and standards
Meanings
2 senses · 5 examplesnoun
carpenter's ink marker; tool used to draw straight lines on wood
Traditionally consists of a string soaked in ink that is stretched taut and snapped against a surface to leave a straight line. Also referred to as 墨斗 (mò dǒu). See also page 966 for 墨斗.
The craftsman used an ink marker to snap a straight chalk line on the wooden board.
This ink marker is an old tool passed down from my grandfather.
noun
rules; standards; established practice; criterion; law
formalUsed metaphorically to refer to standards of behavior, moral principles, or artistic criteria. Common phrases include 不中绳墨 (not meeting the standard) and 拘守绳墨 (rigidly adhering to rules).
His behavior does not meet the standards, which is disappointing.
Literary and artistic creation should not rigidly adhere to conventions, but should boldly innovate.
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A man of standards is called a gentleman.