multiplication table; secret plan
Meanings
2 senses · 7 examplesnoun
multiplication table; times tables (traditional Chinese rhymes)
Refers specifically to the traditional Chinese multiplication rhymes memorized by schoolchildren. Also called 九九歌.
I memorized the multiplication table when I was little.
One times one is one, one times two is two—this is the beginning of the multiplication table.
Show 1 more exampleShow fewer examples
Learning the multiplication table is very important for arithmetic.
noun
secret calculation; private scheme; one's own little plan
informalColloquial expression referring to someone's hidden agenda or private calculations about how to benefit from a situation. Often used in the phrase 打/有小九九.
He already has his own little plan for how to handle the matter.
Don't think I don't know what little scheme you're cooking up in your mind.
Show 2 more examplesShow fewer examples
Everyone has their own private calculations.
He had his own little scheme going, trying to gain some advantage.