添油加醋 tiān yóu jiā cù

to exaggerate a story; add juicy details

Word data

HSK Not in HSK
Frequency 30442nd word

Definitions

  1. 1. fig. adding details while telling a story (to make it more interesting)
  2. 2. lit. to add oil and vinegar

Characters

Character Meaning
添 tiān HSK 6
to add; to increase; to replenish
油 yóu HSK 4
oil; petroleum; oily
加 jiā HSK 3
to add; plus; to give (support, consideration etc) to (sth)
醋 cù HSK 5
vinegar; jealousy (in love rivalry)