Definition
插足 is a separable verb (离合词) that literally means 'to put one's foot in' — you can split it as 插了足, 插过足, etc. Its most common use is figurative: to get involved, especially as a 'third party' in a romantic relationship (第三者插足). It can also mean 'to gain a foothold' in a market or domain. The splitting rule allows measure words or aspect markers between 插 and 足: 插了一次足, 插着足.
v.o.
to get involved (in a romantic relationship as a third party, or in an affair)to step into gain a foothold
Examples
- 插足。Dì-sānzhě chā zú shì hěnduō hūnyīn pòliè de yuányīn.A third party getting involved is the cause of many broken marriages.
- 插足。Nà jiā gōngsī xiǎng chā zú hǎiwài shìchǎng.That company wants to gain a foothold in overseas markets.
- ，。Tā zài zhè jiàn shì lǐ chā le yí cì zú, jiéguǒ rě le dà máfan.He got involved in this matter once and ended up causing big trouble.
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