Meaning
撒手 literally means to open or release one's hand. It describes the physical action of letting go of something you're holding, but also extends metaphorically to abandoning responsibility for something or withdrawing from involvement. In certain contexts, it's also a euphemism for dying, as in '撒手人寰' (departing from the mortal world).
Usage
Most commonly used in contexts involving abandoning responsibility or giving up control of something. When someone '撒手不管' they're washing their hands of a matter completely. The euphemistic meaning relating to death appears in formal or literary expressions. Native speakers often use it to criticize someone for irresponsibly abandoning their duties.
Examples
- 01他把公司的事情撒手不管，自己出国旅游去了。, .He washed his hands of company matters and went traveling abroad.
- 02你不能在这个关键时刻撒手，大家都需要你。, .You can't let go at this critical moment; everyone needs you.
Characters
Common collocations
- 撒手不管to completely wash one's hands of something
- 撒手人寰to pass away (literary)
- 一走了之，撒手不管,to walk away and abandon responsibility
Antonyms
Origin
Compound of 撒 (to release/scatter) and 手 (hand). The literal meaning of releasing one's grip naturally extended to metaphorical uses of relinquishing control or responsibility.