Definition
前前后后 is a reduplicated form of 前后 (front/back / before/after). As a fixed expression, it has two main uses: it can mean 'the whole story' or 'the ins and outs' of a situation, covering all the details from start to finish; it can also mean 'altogether' or 'in total', especially when summing up time, money, or occurrences. It behaves as an adverb or noun phrase, not a verb.
f.e.
the whole storythe ins and outs (of a matter)altogetherin total (sum of time, money, or events)
Examples
- 前前后后。Tā bǎ shìqing de qián qián hòu hòu dōu gàosu le wǒ.He told me the whole story (the ins and outs) of the matter.
- 前前后后。Zhǐyǒu liǎojiě shìqing de qián qián hòu hòu cái néng zuòchū pànduàn.Only by understanding the ins and outs of the matter can you make a judgment.
- 前前后后。Zhè cì lǚxíng qián qián hòu hòu yígòng huā le wǔ qiān kuài qián.This trip cost altogether five thousand yuan.
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