random Posted May 15, 2005 at 06:41 AM Report Share Posted May 15, 2005 at 06:41 AM Hey, I was wondering if anyone knows a Chinese expression/idiom equivalent to the English "dirty laundry"? (Not in the literal sense; metaphorically speaking, I mean.) Any help would be much appreciated. Thanks! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
quiet sunshine Posted May 15, 2005 at 11:40 AM Report Share Posted May 15, 2005 at 11:40 AM What's the metaphorical meaning of "dirty laundry"? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mlomker Posted May 15, 2005 at 01:06 PM Report Share Posted May 15, 2005 at 01:06 PM What's the metaphorical meaning of "dirty laundry"? I think they are referring to a secret that isn't socially acceptable. A teacher dating one of his students, for example. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
zhwj Posted May 15, 2005 at 02:28 PM Report Share Posted May 15, 2005 at 02:28 PM "Dirty laundy" "skeletons in the closet" - mostly refer to family business, right? 家丑 probably covers most of the situations, and can be extended to non-family use, too. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
quiet sunshine Posted May 16, 2005 at 01:33 AM Report Share Posted May 16, 2005 at 01:33 AM I think they are referring to a secret that isn't socially acceptable. A teacher dating one of his students, for example. Thank you for the explanation! Hm, then I guess it's kind of like "丑闻" in Chinese. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
random Posted May 16, 2005 at 09:32 AM Author Report Share Posted May 16, 2005 at 09:32 AM Thank you very much! mloker and zhwj, your definitions are pretty much spot-on. I'm sorry I didn't explain this beforehand - I didn't stop to think! Anyway, thank you again. *Andy* Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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