捉襟见肘 zhuō jīn jiàn zhǒu

unable to make ends meet; strapped for cash

Word data

HSK Not in HSK
Frequency 43208th word

Definitions

  1. 1. unable to make ends meet
  2. 2. strapped for cash
  3. 3. lit. pulling on the lapels exposes the elbows (idiom)

Characters

Character Meaning
捉 zhuō HSK 6
to capture; to grab; to clutch
襟 jīn
fig. bosom (the seat of emotions); lapel
见 jiàn HSK 1
to see; to meet; to appear (to be sth)
肘 zhǒu
elbow; pork shoulder