Definition
来路不明 is a set phrase meaning "of unknown or questionable origin." It is often used as a predicate (这笔钱来路不明) or as a modifier before a noun (来路不明的人). The tone is generally negative or suspicious — it implies that the source is shady or unreliable. Unlike a direct English translation, the Chinese phrase focuses on the uncertainty of the origin itself rather than the quality of the object.
v.p.
of unknown or questionable originunidentifiable provenance
Examples
- 来路不明，。Zhè pī huò lái lù bù míng, wǒmen zuìhǎo bú yào shōu.This batch of goods has an unknown origin — we'd better not accept it.
- 来路不明。Jǐngfāng zhèngzài diàochá nà ge lái lù bù míng de rén.The police are investigating that person of questionable origin.
- 来路不明，。Nǐ yòng de cáiliào lái lù bù míng, kěnéng huì yǐngxiǎng chǎnpǐn zhìliàng.The materials you're using have an unknown origin and may affect product quality.
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