东一榔头西一棒子
dōng​yī​láng​tou​xī​yī​bàng​zi

to work aimlessly

  1. 东 東 dōng verb
    [haphazard]
    Used in patterns with 西 xī to describe moving in different directions, acting in a scattered way, or doing something haphazardly.
  2. 一 yī numeral
    one
    one; the number 1; single; alone
  3. 榔头 榔頭 láng​tou
    hammer
    hammer; sledgehammer; a tool used for striking, consisting of a metal or wooden head fixed crosswise to a handle
  4. 西 xī verb
    here and there
    (bound form) used in tandem with 东 dōng to indicate various places, directions, or a lack of order
  5. 一 yī numeral
    one
    one; the number 1; single; alone
  6. 棒子 bàng​zi
    stick
    a short, thick stick; club; cudgel