Definition
忙里偷闲 is a four-character idiom (成语) meaning to steal a moment of relaxation from a packed schedule. It is used adverbially or as a verb phrase — you can place it before the main verb (e.g., ∼ 去…). The expression emphasizes that you are very busy but still manage to carve out a little leisure time.
f.e.
to snatch a little leisure from a busy lifeto take a break from a hectic schedule
Examples
- ，忙里偷闲。Suīrán gōngzuò hěn máng, dàn tā jīngcháng máng lǐ tōu xián qù jiànshēnfáng.Although work is very busy, she often finds time to go to the gym.
- 忙里偷闲。Tā máng lǐ tōu xián kàn le yíhuìr xiǎoshuō.He squeezed in a little time to read a novel.
- 忙里偷闲。Zhōumò wǒmen máng lǐ tōu xián qù gōngyuán sànbù.On weekends we take a break from our busy lives to go for a walk in the park.
Browse more HSK 7-9 words or search the full 43,000-word dictionary.