📖 Meaning
Literally meaning 'no hole is left un-drilled,' this idiom describes someone who is adept at seeking personal gain through any available opportunity. It portrays a person who exploits every possible opening or connection for self-serving purposes. The term carries a negative connotation of relentless scheming and opportunism.
📜 Origin Story
The phrase originates from Wu Jianren's late Qing dynasty novel 'Recent Social Dirty History' (近代社会龌龊史), specifically in Chapter 16. In the passage, the narrator observes that people skilled at currying favor will exploit every possible opening, comparing them to opportunists who, upon hearing about a military equipment procurement matter, immediately find ways to insert themselves into the transaction. The satirical context highlights the corrupt and calculating nature of social climbers in late Qing society.
💡 Example Usage
这帮投机商无孔不钻，连国家的赈灾款项都想染指。
These speculators exploit every possible opening, even trying to get their hands on national disaster relief funds.
🏷️ Category
➕ Similar Idioms
➖ Opposite Idioms
🔤 Quick Facts
- Chinese: 无孔不钻
- Pinyin: wú kǒng bù zuān
- Literal Translation: no, hole, not, drill
- Category: Method
- Characters: 4