Definition
反唇相讥 is a formal four-character idiom (成语) used when someone immediately and sharply retorts with a sarcastic or mocking comeback during a dispute. The literal image is 'turning the lips to mock back', but in practice it describes a verbal counterattack that is witty, biting, or dismissive. You'll encounter it in literary, political, or formal argumentative contexts rather than casual conversation.
v
to answer back sarcasticallyto retort sharply (in a verbal argument)
Examples
- ，反唇相讥，。Miàn duì duìfāng de pīpíng, tā lìkè fǎn chún xiāng jī, sīháo bú ràng.Faced with the other side's criticism, he immediately retorted sarcastically, giving no ground.
- ，反唇相讥，。Zài biànlùn sài zhōng, xuǎnshǒumen jīngcháng fǎn chún xiāng jī, chǎngmiàn shífēn jīliè.In debate competitions, contestants often fire back sarcastically, making the scene very intense.
- ，反唇相讥。Tā bèi tóngshì cháofěng hòu, rěnbú zhù fǎn chún xiāng jī le jǐ jù.After being mocked by a colleague, he couldn't help but retort with a few sarcastic remarks.
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