Definition
拉线 (lā xiàn) is a verb-object compound meaning primarily 'to act as a go-between' or 'to pull strings' in introductions, business deals, or matchmaking. It can also mean 'to infiltrate a spy' / 'to set up an espionage network' in intelligence contexts. As a separable verb (离合词), the object 线 can split off: e.g., 拉一次线 ('act as a go-between once'), 拉了线 ('pulled strings'). You cannot put a direct object after 拉线; instead use 给某人拉线.
v.o.
to act as a go-betweento pull strings (in introductions, business, or matchmaking)to infiltrate a spyto set up an espionage network
Examples
- 拉线，。Tā jīngcháng wèi gōngsī lā, cùchéng hézuò.He often acts as a go-between for the company to facilitate cooperation.
- ，。Péngyou gěi wǒ lā le yí cì xiàn, wǒ cái zhǎodào zhè fèn gōngzuò.A friend pulled strings for me once, so I found this job.
- 拉线。Qíngbào jīgòu zài díduì guó chénggōng lā.The intelligence agency successfully infiltrated a spy in the enemy country.
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