挤牙膏

挤牙膏:

Literally means:

squeeze out of the tube: be forced to tell the truth bit by bit

Actually means:

It figuratively means one is unwilling to tell the truth, and others have to exert some pressure on him, just like to squeeze toothpaste out of the tube, to get bits of information out of him.

It also figuratively means one doesn't answer questions readily and briskly, only letting out bits of information upon others'questioning. It usually means one tells the truth or answers questions only under other's urging.

It figuratively means one is not willing to do something, especially reluctant to give money to others. Derogatory.

比喻不情愿说出真相，要像挤牙膏那样，施加一点压力，才说出一点情况。也比喻回答问题不爽快，问一点才答一点。多指在外界的催促下，才被迫把事情说出来或回答问题。

比喻做某些事情时，特别是拿出钱财时很为难，不痛快。具有贬义色彩。