Definition
小动作 can refer to fidgety, distracting movements (e.g., a child playing with a pencil in class), but it also has a figurative meaning: sneaky, petty maneuvers intended to gain an unfair advantage — often in the workplace, politics, or sports (e.g., a hidden tug on a jersey, a quiet bribe). The literal and figurative senses are both common, so context disambiguates them. When used in sports commentary, it specifically means 'gamesmanship' or 'minor foul done discreetly'.
n.
fidgety movements (made from restlessness or lack of focus)petty trick / underhanded maneuver (to gain personal advantage)(in sports) gamesmanship / minor foul done discreetly
Examples
- 小动作，。Zhè háizi shàngkè zǒng zuò xiǎo dòng zuō, búshì wán bǐ jiùshì sī zhǐ.This kid is always fidgeting in class, either playing with a pen or tearing paper.
- 小动作，。Tā zài jìngxuǎn lǐ gǎo le bùshǎo xiǎo dòng zuō, tōutōu mǒhēi le duìshǒu.He made quite a few sneaky moves in the campaign, quietly smearing his opponent.
- 小动作，。Nà ge qiúyuán zài fángshǒu shí zuò le ge xiǎo dòng zuō, cáipàn méi kàn dào.That player pulled a sneaky move on defense and the ref didn't see it.
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