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The Chinese word **擦屁股** is formed through a vivid metaphorical extension from its literal meaning. Literally, it combines the verb **擦** (cā, "to wipe") with the noun **屁股** (pìgu, "buttocks"), directly describing the act of cleaning oneself after defecation. Figuratively, it has evolved into a common idiom meaning "to clean up a mess" or "to deal with the troublesome consequences of someone else's actions," effectively invoking the imagery of handling an unpleasant and lingering problem that one did not originally create. This formation exemplifies how Chinese often uses concrete, bodily-related terms to create expressive slang for abstract situations of responsibility and trouble-shooting.

Word Definition - 擦屁股

cā pì gu to wipe one’s ass; (fig.) (coll.) to clean up sb else's mess

Individual Character Details