Definition
留一手 is a separable verb (离合词) meaning 'to hold back a trick or two' — to deliberately not teach or reveal all of one's skill or knowledge, especially in a trade or craft. It's used when someone keeps a key technique secret to protect their own advantage. The phrase can split: 留了一手 ('held back one trick'), 留着两手 ('keeping two tricks back').
v.o.
to hold back a trick or two (in teaching a trade or skill)
Examples
- 留一手，。Shīfu jiāo túdi shí zǒngshì liú yī shǒu, pà túdi chāoguò zìjǐ.The master always holds back a trick or two when teaching apprentices, afraid they'll surpass him.
- ，。Tā xué shǒuyì de shíhou, lǎo shīfu gěi tā liú le yì shǒu.When he was learning the craft, the old master held back a trick from him.
- 留一手，。Bié liú yī shǒu le, bǎ nǐ zhīdào de dōu jiāo gěi wǒmen ba.Don't hold back — teach us everything you know.
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