Definitions

xuān to pull up one's sleeves; to prepare to fight

Etymology phono-semantic

hand

Semantic: Phonetic:

About

is a phono-semantic compound combining the semantic component (shǒu, 'hand') for manual action and the phonetic (xuān). Its primary meaning is rolling up one's sleeves or baring one's arms, often in preparation for physical labor or a confrontation. Historically, it has remained restricted to this literal gesture and, unlike many verbs, has not acquired broader metaphorical or abstract meanings.