Definition
动手动脚 is a set phrase (成语) meaning 'to grope or take liberties physically,' usually toward a woman. Literally 'move hands move feet,' it's used to criticize unwanted physical advances. You'll hear it in warnings, accusations, or descriptions of inappropriate behavior. It is not separable — the four syllables stay together as a predicate.
v.p.
to gropeto take physical liberties (with someone, usually a woman)
Examples
- ，动手动脚。Tā shì ge zhèngrén jūnzǐ, cónglái bú duì nǚxìng dòng shǒu dòng jiǎ.He's a gentleman and never makes unwanted advances toward women.
- 动手动脚。Zài gōnggòng chǎnghé dòng shǒu dòng jiǎ shì bú dàodé de.Groping in public places is immoral.
- 动手动脚。Tā yīnwèi duì nǚ tóngshì dòng shǒu dòng jiǎ bèi kāichú le.He was fired for making unwanted advances toward a female coworker.
Browse more HSK 7-9 words or search the full 43,000-word dictionary.