Definition
做手脚 is a colloquial verb-object phrase meaning 'to secretly rig, tamper, or pull a fast one' — often in contexts like contracts, exams, or competitions. As a separable verb (离合词), the syllables can split when adding aspect markers or additional elements, e.g., 做了手脚 (did some rigging) or 做过手脚 (have tampered before). It carries a connotation of underhandedness and is not used for harmless pranks.
v.o.
to secretly tamper withto rig (e.g., an election, contract, test)
Examples
- 做手脚。Dāngxīn tā zài hétong shàng zuò shǒu jiǎo.Beware of him tampering with the contract.
- 。Zhè cì kǎoshì yǒu rén zuò le shǒujiǎo.Someone rigged this exam.
- ，做手脚。Bié xiāngxìn tā, tā jīngcháng zài bǐsài zhōng zuò shǒu jiǎo.Don't trust him; he often rigs competitions.
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