dǎ​cā​biān​qiú

to edge the ball

Senses

打擦边球/ 打擦邊球 dǎ​cā​biān​qiú to edge the ball

In table tennis, to hit a ball that grazes the edge of the table, making it difficult for the opponent to return; this literal use suggests luck or high skill.

打擦边球/ 打擦邊球 dǎ​cā​biān​qiú to bend the rules

To operate at the very edge of what is allowed by rules or laws without technically breaking them; to take advantage of loopholes.

打擦边球/ 打擦邊球 dǎ​cā​biān​qiú to skirt around an issue

To avoid addressing the core of a sensitive topic by talking around it or focusing on related but non-essential details.

References

synonym 打擦边球/打擦邊球 钻空子/鑽空子