脱身

tuōshēn

to get away

HSK 7

Character Breakdown

Meaning and Usage

"脱身" literally means "to shed the body," but it is used figuratively to describe escaping or extricating oneself from a difficult or busy situation. It often implies a deliberate or skillful action to leave or avoid something.

Common Contexts

This word is frequently used when talking about getting away from meetings, obligations, or troublesome situations. It carries a nuance of relief or cleverness in managing to leave.

Collocations and Patterns

Usage Notes

"脱身" is more formal and literary than simply saying "离开" (leave). It often suggests some difficulty or effort involved in leaving. Avoid confusing it with "" which implies escaping from danger or pursuit.

Example Sentences

他设法从繁忙的会议中脱身,去接电话。

Tā shèfǎ cóng fánmáng de huìyì zhōng tuōshēn, qù jiē diànhuà.

He managed to extricate himself from the busy meeting to answer a call.

遇到麻烦时,她总能巧妙地脱身。

Yù dào máfan shí, tā zǒng néng qiǎomiào de tuōshēn.

When in trouble, she can always cleverly get herself out of it.

他想脱身去参加朋友的聚会,但工作太忙了。

Tā xiǎng tuōshēn qù cānjiā péngyǒu de jùhuì, dàn gōngzuò tài máng le.

He wants to get away to attend a friend's party, but work is too busy.