Chinese word

钻空子

Pronunciation

Pinyinzuān kòng zi

Meaning

  • verbexploit loopholes

Example

考试的时候别想着钻空子。kǎo shì de shí hòu bié xiǎng zhe zuān kòng zi

Don't try to exploit loopholes during the exam.

Illustration for 钻空子 (exploit loopholes)

More examples

别总想着钻空子，踏实工作才是长久之道。bié zǒng xiǎng zhe zuān kòng zi tā shí gōng zuò cái shì cháng jiǔ zhī dào

Don't always think about exploiting loopholes; diligent work is the way to lasting success.

Core concept

Finding a narrow gap in a system and squeezing through it to avoid its intended limits.

Common phrases

  • 别想着钻空子bié xiǎng zhe zuān kòng zi

    don't think about exploiting loopholes

  • 靠投机取巧钻空子kào tóu jī qú qiǎo zuān kòng zi

    exploit loopholes through opportunism

  • 在合同条款不清楚时钻空子zài hé tóng tiáo kuǎn bù qīng chǔ shí zuān kòng zi

    exploit loopholes when the contract terms are unclear

Similar words

投机取巧tóu jī qú qiǎo: Get something done easily through clever but unfair tricks or shortcuts.
作弊zuò bì: Break the rules dishonestly in an official setting to obtain an advantage.
占便宜zhàn pián yi: Receive an advantage by making use of treatment or terms that suit personal needs.

Definition in Chinese

在规则、制度或惯例中寻找并利用漏洞以谋取小利或逃避约束的口语动词。zài guī zé zhì dù huò guàn lì zhōng xún zhǎo bìng lì yòng lòu dòng yǐ móu qǔ xiǎo lì huò táo bì yuē shù de kóu yǔ dòng cí

Word origin

钻 (zuān, "to drill or enter") + 空子 (kòngzi, "an opening") creates a metaphor in which entering an opening means taking advantage of a gap in rules.

Usage tips

  • The word is conversational and often carries disapproval, while a neutral description is better when the speaker does not want to judge the person's conduct.

Other meanings

  • cheatverb

Opposites

  • 按规章办事àn guī zhāng bàn shìfollow the rulesverb

Word lists with this word