护短

護短

hùduǎn

verb #36,466

Meanings

1 to shield someone's faults
2 to defend a relative or friend even when they are wrong
3 to cover up one's own shortcomings

Characters

to protect / defend

short / shortcoming

Examples

HSK 4

妈妈总是护短，不让别人批评弟弟。

Māma zǒngshì hùduǎn, bú ràng biérén pīpíng dìdi.

Mom always shields my brother and won't let others criticize him.

HSK 5

做领导不能护短。

Zuò lǐngdǎo bùnéng hùduǎn.

A leader cannot cover up subordinates' faults.

Tips

usage

护 (hù, to protect) + 短 (duǎn, short, here meaning 'shortcomings / faults'). 护短 always carries a negative tone, defending wrongdoing out of personal loyalty rather than principle. Common targets: one's children, students, hometown, or alma mater.

Stroke Order

护 hù

短 duǎn