指雞罵狗 zhǐ jī mà gǒu

fig. to make indirect criticisms

Word data

HSK Not in HSK
Frequency Unknown

Definitions

  1. 1. fig. to make indirect criticisms
  2. 2. lit. to point at the chicken while scolding the dog (idiom)

Characters

Character Meaning
指 zhǐ HSK 4
to point at or to; to indicate or refer to; finger
雞 jī
chicken; fowl; (slang) prostitute
罵 mà
to scold; to curse; to abuse
狗 gǒu HSK 1
dog