Definition
防空洞 literally means 'air-raid shelter' — a structure built to protect people from bombings. Figuratively, it extends to any place or excuse that provides cover for illegal or wrong activities, like a hideout for criminals or a pretext for bad behavior. You'll encounter it in both concrete and metaphorical contexts.
n.
air-raid shelterhideout (for criminals or wrongdoers)(figurative) cover or pretext for wrong thoughts or actions
Examples
- ,防空洞。Zhànzhēng qījiān, rénmen dōu duǒ jìn fáng kōng dòng bìnàn.During the war, people took refuge in air-raid shelters.
- 防空洞。Nàge fèiqì de gōngchǎng chéng le fànzuì fēnzǐ de fáng kōng dòng.That abandoned factory became a hideout for criminals.
- “”防空洞,。Tā ná “wèile gōngsī lìyì” dāng fáng kōng dòng, qíshí shì zài zhōngbǎo sī náng.He used 'for the company's benefit' as a cover, when in fact he was lining his own pockets.
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