Definition
里里外外 is a reduplicated four-character phrase meaning 'inside and outside' in a comprehensive sense — it covers both the literal interior and exterior of a place, as well as abstract aspects like all sides of a situation or all tasks in a space. You can use it as a noun phrase ('the inside and outside') or as an adverbial modifier meaning 'thoroughly, in every part'. It often appears with 检查 (check), 收拾 (tidy up), 安排 (arrange), etc.
n.
(noun phrase) the inside and outsideall aspects (of a place or situation)
Examples
- 里里外外。Tā bǎ fángjiān lǐ lǐ wài wài dōu dǎsǎo gānjìng le.He cleaned the room thoroughly, both inside and outside.
- 里里外外，。Zhè jiàn shì nǐ lǐ lǐ wài wài dōu yào kǎolǜ dào, bù néng zhǐ kàn yí miàn.You need to consider all aspects of this matter, not just one side.
- 里里外外。Tā chūchāi qián bǎ jiā lǐ lǐ lǐ wài wài dōu ānpái hǎo le.Before going on a business trip, she arranged everything at home, inside and out.
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