把柄

bǎbǐng

noun HSK 7 #7,791

Meanings

1 handle (of a tool)
2 leverage; something to hold against someone

Characters

to grip; handle

Literally 'handle' — if someone grabs your handle, they control you.

Examples

别让人抓住把柄。

Bié ràng rén zhuāzhù bǎbǐng.

Don't let anyone get leverage on you.

他被对手抓住了把柄。

Tā bèi duìshǒu zhuāzhù le bǎbǐng.

His opponent found something to hold against him.

Tips

usage

The figurative meaning is far more common than the literal one. 抓住把柄 (grab someone's handle) means to find dirt or evidence to use against someone — like having leverage or 'having something on' somebody.

Stroke Order

把 bǎ

柄 bǐng