打擦边球

打擦边球

Literally means:

hit an edge/touch ball

Actually means:

play at the limit of what is permitted

It originally means that a ball falls on the edge of the boundary without going beyond.

It figuratively means acting on the verge of breaking the law but such conduct may still be counted as legal.

It generally connotes that some people would take advantage of the loopholes the policies or regulations to gain personal profits. Derogatory.

原指打出的球落在界线的边沿，没有出界。

比喻进行临近违法但还算合法的活动。

多用于指某些单位或个人利用某些政策或规定的不完善而获取利益。有时具有贬义色彩。