Definition
走后门 is a fixed verb-object phrase literally meaning 'to enter through the back door', but its most common figurative meaning is to use personal connections or pull strings to get something done unofficially — a practice often criticized but widespread in Chinese society. It can split like other separable verbs: 走了后门 ('used connections'), 走过一次后门 ('once used connections'). The literal use is rare in modern speech. Note: in some contexts it has a vulgar slang meaning (anal sex), which is not part of everyday usage.
v
(figurative) to use connectionsto get things done through personal influence(literal) to enter through the back door
Examples
- 走后门。Tā tōngguò zǒu hòu mén zhǎodào le zhè fèn gōngzuò.He found this job by pulling strings.
- ，走后门。Zài zhège dānwèi, bù zǒu hòu mén jiù bàn bù chéng shì.In this unit, without pulling strings you can't get things done.
- 。Tā wèile háizi shàngxué zǒu le bùshǎo hòumén.He pulled a lot of strings to get his child into school.
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