把柄

• Pinyin: bǎ bǐng
• Hanzi breakdown: 把 = 扌(hand) + 巴 (phonetic); 柄 = 木 (wood) + 丙 (phonetic), meaning handle

Meaning

Handle; leverage; something that can be used against someone.

Literally means a handle or grip. Figuratively refers to evidence or information that can be used to control, blackmail, or criticize someone. In modern usage, the figurative meaning is more common.

Examples

1. 他做事太谨慎了，根本不给人留下任何把柄。 He's so careful in everything he does that he never gives anyone any leverage.
2. 竞争对手一直想抓住我们的把柄，但始终没找到机会。 Our competitors have been trying to find something to use against us, but they haven't found an opportunity.
3. 那件事成了他的把柄，被人拿来威胁了好多年。 That incident became his weak point and was used to threaten him for years.

Usage Guide

Context: everyday, professional

Tone: cautious

Do Say

• 别让人抓住把柄。(Don't let anyone get leverage on you.)
• 他手上有你的把柄。(He has something on you.)

Don't Say

• 把门把手说成'把柄' (Don't call a door handle 把柄 — use 把手 for physical handles in everyday contexts)

Origin & History

把 (to hold) + 柄 (handle). Originally the handle of a tool; extended to mean something graspable that can be used against someone.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal