掣 (chè) - To pull & to tug

掣Tone 4

chè ｜ 12 strokes ｜ radical:

嫦晨

掣 · chè

To pull;

to tug;

to draw;

to hinder;

to impede;

to restrain.

To pullto tugto draw

Usage highlights

Hinder progressPull the reinsDraw a swordImpede developmentRestrain actionTug at the heartstrings

Synonyms

  • 拉— to pull
  • 拖— to drag
  • 阻— to obstruct
  • 碍— to hinder

Antonyms

  • 推— to push
  • 助— to help
  • 促— to promote

Usage & contexts

Examples

  • He pulled the reins to stop the horse (掣缰).
  • The strong wind hindered our progress (掣肘).
  • She drew her sword quickly (掣剑).
  • The project was impeded by funding issues (掣阻).

Collocations

  • Hinder progress(掣肘)
  • Pull the reins(掣缰)
  • Draw a sword(掣剑)
  • Impede development(掣阻)
  • Restrain action(掣制)
  • Tug at the heartstrings(掣心)

Idioms

  • Hinder someone's efforts(掣肘)
  • Pull the reins and turn the horse(掣辔转马)
  • Draw the sword and help(掣剑相助)

Cultural background

FAQ
  • Originally depicted a hand pulling an ox, representing the concept of restraint and control.
  • Commonly used in contexts describing obstacles or limitations in progress.
  • The idiom 掣肘 is widely used to describe situations where someone's hands are tied or hindered.

FAQ