敲边鼓

敲邊鼓

qiāobiāngǔ

phrase HSK 7 #77,945

Meanings

1 to cheer from the sidelines
2 to back someone up indirectly; to give support on the side

Characters

to knock; to beat

Literally 'beat the side drum' — like a drummer who supports the main performer from the side, not center stage.

Examples

你去跟老板说，我在旁边给你敲边鼓。

Nǐ qù gēn lǎobǎn shuō, wǒ zài pángbiān gěi nǐ qiāo biāngǔ.

You go talk to the boss, and I'll back you up from the side.

他在会上帮我敲了几句边鼓。

Tā zài huì shàng bāng wǒ qiāo le jǐ jù biāngǔ.

He helped me out by putting in a few good words at the meeting.

Tips

culture

In traditional Chinese opera and drumming ensembles, the side drummer provides rhythm and emphasis while the lead musician carries the melody. 敲边鼓 captures this supporting role perfectly.

Stroke Order

敲 qiāo

边 biān

鼓 gǔ