Definition
指手画脚 (zhǐ shǒu huà jiǎo) is a set phrase (idiom) with two related but distinct uses. Literally 'point with hands, draw with feet', it can mean to gesticulate animatedly while speaking. More commonly, it has a negative sense: to boss people around or give arbitrary orders, implying meddling or overstepping one's role.
phrase
to gesticulate while talking (idiom)to criticize or give orders arbitrarilyto boss people around
Examples
- 指手画脚，。Lǐngdǎo bié zǒng zhǐ shǒu huà jiǎo, yě yào tīng tīng yuángōng de yìjiàn.Leaders shouldn't always boss people around; they should also listen to employees' opinions.
- 指手画脚，。Tā shuōhuà shí xǐhuan zhǐ shǒu huà jiǎo, ràng rén juédé hěn yǒuqù.He likes to gesticulate when he talks, which people find very amusing.
- 指手画脚，。Tā zǒng duì xiǎoshì zhǐ shǒu huà jiǎo, ràng rén hěn bù shūfu.She always nitpicks about small things, which makes people uncomfortable.
Browse more HSK 7-9 words or search the full 43,000-word dictionary.