孵豆芽

孵豆芽

Literally means:

produce been sprouts

Actually means:

stay at home for days without going anywhere else

孵 refers to "hatch", i.e. the action of birds to help the embryos in the eggs to grow into small birds by continuously warming the eggs with their bodies. 豆芽 refers to the sprouts of soybeans (a kind of vegetable) that grow after being soaked and then treated in constant humidity and temperature for about a week.

This phrase metaphorically means staying at home for days without going out. It also means doing something (writing an article, for example) quietly in a certain place for several consecutive days. Sometimes it is used in a jocular and humorous tone.

孵，鸟类在一段连续的时间内用体温帮助蛋里的胚胎发育成小鸟。豆芽，黄豆或绿豆浸水以后，再经过大约一星期的保湿保温处理后长出来的芽（作蔬菜食用）。

孵豆芽，比喻连续几天闷在家里不外出。也比喻接连几天呆在某个地方闷头做事（如写文章等）。有时用于开玩笑，含风趣的意味。