Definition
摸清 is a resultative verb compound consisting of 摸 (to feel out / explore) and 清 (clear). It means to investigate thoroughly until you have a clear understanding of a situation, someone's background, or the facts. It is a separable verb: you can insert 得 or 不 between the two characters to indicate possibility (摸得清 / 摸不清), or insert 了 or a measure phrase after 摸 to show completion or aspect. It is commonly used with objects like 情况, 底细, 规律, etc.
r.v.
to get a clear picture ofto ascertainto figure out (through investigation or exploration)
Examples
- 摸清。Wǒmen zhōngyú mō le tā de dǐxì.We finally got a clear picture of his background.
- ,?Zhème duō shùjù, nǐ mō de qīng ma?With so much data, can you sort it all out?
- 摸清。Tāmen huā le sān gè yuè cái mō shìchǎng qíngkuàng.It took them three months to get a clear picture of the market situation.
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