Definition
一鼻子灰 is a four-character idiom meaning you try to please or approach someone but end up rejected or embarrassed — like getting a face full of ash. It's used when an effort to curry favor, ask a favor, or start a conversation is flatly refused, leaving you humiliated. The image is of poking your nose into something and hitting soot.
id.
to be rebuffedto meet with rejectionto run into a stone wall (after trying to please or approach someone)
Examples
- ，。Tā qù xiàng lǎobǎn qǐngjià, jiéguǒ pèng le yī bí zǐ huī.He went to ask the boss for leave, and ended up being rebuffed.
- ，。Tā xiǎng gěi tóngshì bāngmáng, méi xiǎng dào què tǎo le ge yī bí zǐ huī.She wanted to help a colleague, but unexpectedly got a cold shoulder.
- ，。Nǐ bié qù tuījiàn le, xiǎoxīn yòu pèng yī bí zǐ huī.Don't bother recommending — you might get rejected again.
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