劍走偏鋒 jiàn zǒu piān fēng

unconventional gambit; fig. unexpected winning move

Word data

HSK Not in HSK
Frequency Unknown

Definitions

  1. 1. unconventional gambit
  2. 2. fig. unexpected winning move
  3. 3. the sword moves with side stroke (modern idiom)
  4. 4. Jian Zoupianfeng, pseudonym of prolific modern novelist

Characters

Character Meaning
劍 jiàn
double-edged sword; classifier for blows of a sword
走 zǒu HSK 2
to go; to walk; to leave
偏 piān HSK 6
stubbornly; contrary to expectations; prejudiced
鋒 fēng
edge of a tool; vanguard; point of a spear