Meaning
This is a figurative expression literally meaning 'soft bone'. It describes someone who lacks backbone, courage, or moral fortitude—someone who easily gives in to pressure or cannot stand up for themselves or their principles. It's a derogatory term used to criticize weakness of character.
Usage
This term carries a negative, contemptuous tone and is used to criticize people who are seen as lacking courage or principles. It's more common in informal speech and can be quite harsh. Often used when someone compromises their values too easily or fails to stand up against injustice or pressure.
Examples
- 01他在压力面前总是妥协，真是个软骨头。, .He always compromises under pressure; he's really spineless.
- 02别当软骨头，该坚持原则的时候就要坚持。, .Don't be a pushover; when you need to stick to your principles, you must stick to them.
Characters
Measure words
- 个一个软骨头
Common collocations
- 是个软骨头is a spineless person
- 当软骨头to be a pushover
Antonyms
Origin
The metaphor comes from the image of bones that should be hard and provide structural support being soft instead, unable to hold up the body—symbolizing a person unable to maintain their principles or stand firm.