挟 (xié) - To hold under the arm & to coerce

挟Tone 2

xié ｜ 9 strokes ｜ radical:

想信

挟 · xié

To hold under the arm;

to coerce;

to harbor (sentiments);

to clasp.

To hold under the armto coerceto harbor (sentiments)

Usage highlights

To hold under the armTo coerceTo harbor resentmentTo take advantage ofTo clasp a daggerTo kidnap

Synonyms

  • 持— to hold, to grasp
  • 携— to carry, to bring along
  • 挟持— to hold under duress, to coerce

Antonyms

  • 放— to release, to let go
  • 释— to release, to set free

Usage & contexts

Examples

  • He held a book under his arm (挟着一本书).
  • The powerful minister coerced the emperor (挟天子以令诸侯).
  • She harbors a deep hatred (挟恨).
  • The warrior clasped his sword (挟剑).

Collocations

  • To hold under the arm(挟持)
  • To coerce(挟制)
  • To harbor resentment(挟怨)
  • To take advantage of(挟势)
  • To clasp a dagger(挟匕首)
  • To kidnap(挟持人质)

Idioms

  • Coerce the emperor to command the feudal lords(挟天子以令诸侯)
  • Harboring a dagger under a smile(笑里藏刀, conceptually related to hidden threat)
  • Holding mountains and seas(挟山超海 - an impossible task)

Cultural background

FAQ
  • Historically associated with political coercion, as in the strategy 'coerce the emperor to command the feudal lords' from the Three Kingdoms period.
  • Implies a sense of control, leverage, or holding something with force or hidden intent.
  • Often carries a negative connotation of manipulation or undue influence.

FAQ