榆木疙瘩

榆木疙瘩

Literally means:

as inflexible as the knot on the elm tree

Actually means:

stubborn mind

榆木, wood from the elm tree; 疙瘩, knot on the surface of something which is hard to be cut by a knife.

In a metaphorical sense, the phrase means that one is inflexible and block-headed. It is often used to ridicule or reproach. Derogatory.

榆木，榆树的木头；疙瘩，物体表面突起的小包块，疙瘩质地坚韧，很难用刀劈开。

榆木疙瘩，比喻脑子死板，不灵活。常用来取笑或责备人。具有贬义色彩。