占着茅坑不拉屎 zhàn zhe máo kēng bù lā shǐ

fig. to be a dog in the manger

Word data

HSK Not in HSK
Frequency Unknown

Definitions

  1. 1. fig. to be a dog in the manger
  2. 2. lit. to occupy a latrine but not shit (proverb)

Characters

Character Meaning
占 zhàn HSK 4
to occupy; to take up; to take possession of
着 zhe HSK 2
aspect particle indicating action in progress
茅 máo
reeds; rushes; surname Mao
坑 kēng HSK 6
hole; pit; to defraud
不 bù HSK 1
not; no; (negative prefix)
拉 lā HSK 4
to pull; to drag; to draw
屎 shǐ
feces; stool; nasal mucus