give others a handle; provide grounds for gossip
Tone colorsmāmámǎmàma
Meanings
1 sense · 3 examplesverb
to give others a handle against oneself; to provide grounds for gossip or ridicule
formalFormal idiom typically used to describe actions that provide opponents or critics with ammunition. Often used in the structure '以免贻人口实' (so as not to give cause for gossip).
Chǔ处
lǐ理
zhè这
lèi类
mǐn敏
gǎn感
wèn问
tí题
bì必
xū须
jǐn谨
shèn慎
，
yǐ以
miǎn免
yí贻
rén人
kǒu口
shí实
。
When handling such sensitive issues, one must be cautious so as not to provide grounds for gossip.
Nǐ你
zhè这
yàng样
bù不
fù负
zé责
rèn任
de地
shuō说
huà话
，
zhǐ只
huì会
yí贻
rén人
kǒu口
shí实
。
If you speak so irresponsibly like this, you will only give others a handle against you.
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Tā他
de的
xíng行
wéi为
bù不
jiǎn检
diǎn点
，
tú徒
rán然
yí贻
rén人
kǒu口
shí实
。
His improper behavior merely gives people a handle to use against him.