Definition
捅娄子 is a colloquial separable verb (离合词) meaning 'to make a mess of something' or 'to cause trouble.' It literally suggests 'poking a hole in a basket' but is used figuratively. When you separate it, the object or measure word goes between 捅 and 娄子, e.g. 捅了一个娄子 ('caused a trouble'), 捅出娄子 ('caused trouble to come out'). Use it for situations where someone's action leads to a problem or embarrassment.
v.o.
(colloquial) to make a mess of somethingto cause troubleto blunder
Examples
- ，捅娄子。Tā zuòshì tài mǎhu, jīngcháng tǒng lóu zǐ.He is too careless and often makes a mess of things.
- ，。Nǐ zhè cì kě tǒng le gè dà lóuzi, gǎnjǐn xiǎng bànfǎ bǔjiù ba.You've really made a big mess this time — hurry up and find a way to fix it.
- ，捅娄子。Bié ràng tā fùzé zhège xiàngmù, tā zhǐ huì tǒng lóu zǐ.Don't let him be in charge of this project — he'll only make a mess.
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