Definition
话柄 refers to something in a person's words or actions that others can seize upon to criticize, mock, or attack them. It's like a 'handle' for gossip — once you give people a 话柄, they can use it against you. The word often appears in the phrase 留下话柄 (to leave a handle for criticism).
n.
something that gives others a handle to criticize or mock youa subject for gossip or ridicule
Examples
- 。Bié bǎ zìjǐ de yǐnsī biàn chéng biérén de huà bǐng.Don't turn your privacy into a handle for others.
- 。Tā shuō de nà jù huà chéng le dàjiā de huà bǐng.That sentence he said became a subject of ridicule for everyone.
- ,话柄。Zuò shì xiǎoxīn yì diǎn, bú yào liú xià huà bǐng.Be careful in your actions; don't leave a pretext for attack.
Browse more HSK 7-9 words or search the full 43,000-word dictionary.