shāo​lěng​zào

to burn a cold stove

Senses

烧冷灶/ 燒冷灶 shāo​lěng​zào to burn a cold stove

to invest time, money, or effort into a person or activity that is not currently popular or successful in anticipation of future gain; to pave the way for oneself by supporting someone before they become powerful or famous

References

No references for this word.