指桑骂槐

MEANING

1. 壹动verb

   lit. to point at the mulberry tree and curse the locust tree

   • tāzhǐsāngmàhuái,shuōwǒbùhǎo.

     他指桑骂槐，说我不好。🔊

     He pointed at the mulberry tree while cursing the locust tree, saying bad things about me.

2. 貳动verb

   fig. to scold sb indirectly

   • tāzhǐsāngmàhuái,wǒtīngdǒngle.

     他指桑骂槐，我听懂了。🔊

     He made veiled criticisms by referring to one thing while attacking another, and I understood.

3. 參动verb

   to make oblique accusations (idiom)

   • tāzhǐsāngmàhuái,shuōwǒbùhǎo.

     他指桑骂槐，说我不好。🔊

     He spoke in veiled criticism, saying I was no good.