混江湖

混江湖

Literally means:

fool around in Jianghu

Actually means:

make a living wandering from place to place

江湖 literally refers to waters such as rivers, lakes and seas, and generally refers to places in all directions. In the ancient times, the phrase meant wandering from place to place and making a living as a quack doctor,acrobat or fortune-teller.

Now it figuratively means making a living wandering from place to place or developing one's career by competing with others in society. Often used in colloquial language with a mocking implication. Slightly derogatory.

江湖，指江河湖海，泛指四方各地。旧时指四处流动，靠卖药、卖艺、算命等为生。

现比喻在各地流动谋取衣食，或在社会上同别人竞争，发展事业。有调侃的意味，多在口语中使用。略含贬义。