nì​lín

unfavorable scales

逆鳞 逆鱗 nì​lín
unfavorable scales
(Chinese legend) a patch of scales on a dragon's neck that grow in the opposite direction; touching them enrages the dragon
trigger issue
(figurative) a sensitive subject or a person's sore spot that provokes a strong emotional reaction or anger when challenged
to offend a superior
to offend the emperor or a person in high authority, often by challenging them or touching on a sensitive topic

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Synonym