never visit without a reason; no one calls without a purpose
Tone colorsmāmámǎmàma
Meanings
1 sense · 3 examplesidiom
one never visits the temple of the three treasures without a reason; one does not come to someone's place without a specific purpose
Used to explain that someone visiting usually has a specific request or purpose. Often used humorously or lightheartedly to express curiosity about the visitor's motive, or as a polite way to ask 'what can I do for you?'
Tā他
shì是
wú无
shì事
bù不
dēng登
sān三
bǎo宝
diàn殿
，
jīn今
tiān天
lái来
，
yī一
dìng定
yǒu有
yuán原
yīn因
。
He never visits without a reason; there must be something behind his visit today.
Nǐ你
píng平
shí时
cóng从
bù不
lián联
xì系
wǒ我
，
jīn今
tiān天
tū突
rán然
dǎ打
diàn电
huà话
，
zhēn真
shì是
wú无
shì事
bù不
dēng登
sān三
bǎo宝
diàn殿
a啊
。
You never contact me normally, and suddenly you call today—truly, you must need something from me.
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Jīng经
lǐ理
xiào笑
zhe着
shuō说
：
"
Lǎo老
Wáng王
，
nǐ你
shì是
wú无
shì事
bù不
dēng登
sān三
bǎo宝
diàn殿
，
yǒu有
shén什
me么
shì事
zhí直
shuō说
ba吧
。
"
The manager said with a smile: 'Lao Wang, you never come here without a reason—just tell me what you need.'