Definition
举手投足 is a chengyu (four-character idiom) that literally means 'to lift a hand and set a foot' and figuratively refers to every move or action a person makes. It often carries the connotation of one's mannerisms, bearing, or the way someone carries themselves in daily life. Unlike a simple translation like 'every action/move', the idiom implies a certain style or elegance in those actions, and it's commonly used to describe grace, dignity, or naturalness in behavior.
f.e.
every action and gestureone's behavior and deportment
Examples
- 举手投足。Tā jǔ shǒu tóu zú zhī jiān dōu tòu zhe yōuyǎ.Every move she makes shows elegance.
- 举手投足。Zhè wèi yǎnyuán de jǔ shǒu tóu zú hěn yǒu gǎnrǎnlì.This actor's every gesture is very captivating.
- 举手投足。Yí ge rén de jǔ shǒu tóu zú néng fǎnyìng chū tā de jiàoyǎng.A person's every action can reflect their upbringing.
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