Definition
穿针引线 is a four-character idiom (成语) that literally means 'to thread a needle and draw a thread' — the image of guiding thread through a needle's eye. Figuratively, it describes someone who acts as a go-between or mediator, connecting two parties who wouldn't otherwise come together, especially in matchmaking, business deals, or diplomacy. You can use it for both romantic matchmaking and professional networking.
f.e.
to act as a go-betweento mediateto make a match
Examples
- 穿针引线。Tā zài zhè cì hézuò zhōng qǐ dào le chuān zhēn yǐn xiàn de zuòyòng.He played the role of a go-between in this cooperation.
- 穿针引线，。Zhè wèi méiren shànyú chuān zhēn yǐn xiàn, cùchéng le bù shǎo hǎo yīnyuán.This matchmaker is good at acting as a go-between and has facilitated many good marriages.
- 穿针引线。Liǎng guó zhī jiān de màoyì tánpàn xūyào yǒurén chuān zhēn yǐn xiàn.The trade negotiations between the two countries need someone to act as a mediator.
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