敲边鼓

敲邊鼓
qiāobiāngǔ
phrase HSK 7 #77,945

Meanings

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

Characters

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

Examples

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.
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

qiāo
biān