Definition
来历不明 is a four-character idiom meaning 'of unknown origin' or 'with an unclear background'. It often carries a suspicious or negative connotation — you use it when someone's past or something's source is questionable or cannot be verified. The structure is 来历 (background/origin) + 不明 (unclear).
v.p.
of unknown originwith an unverifiable background
Examples
- 来历不明，。Zhège lái lì bù míng de rén tūrán chūxiàn zài cūn lǐ, dàjiā dōu hěn jǐngtì.This person of unknown origin suddenly appeared in the village, and everyone was very cautious.
- 来历不明。Jǐngfāng zhèngzài diàochá nà bǐ lái lì bù míng de zījīn.The police are investigating that sum of money of unknown origin.
- 来历不明。Zhèxiē lái lì bù míng de gǔdǒng hěn kěnéng shì yànpǐn.These antiques of unknown origin are likely fakes.
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