半吊子

半吊子

Literally means:

half string

Actually means:

In old times, one thousand copper coins stringed together was called one string. Five hundred coins could not make one string, so it was called half string.

The whole phrase figuratively means incompleteness or something unfinished. When used to refer to person, it means he does not possess enough knowledge or skills, or he is not reasonable or calm enough. When used to refer to something, it means it is unfinished or it has defects, Derogatory.

旧时一千个铜钱串在一起叫做一吊，五百个凑不成一串，叫半吊。

半吊子表示不完善、不完整、不彻底。指人时突出其知识不丰富，技术不熟练，或者不通事理，不稳重，不沉着。指事物时强调有头无尾，或者有缺陷。具有贬义色彩。