“挖墙脚”本意是指将墙的下半部挖掉,以至墙的整体失衡而倒塌。比喻“从根本上搞破坏(undermine the foundation),使对手不能成功(prevent the success of an enemy)”,为贬义词。
现如今,“挖墙脚”一般指“从竞争对手处挖取相关人才”,英文可以翻译为“poach talents (from)”,有时也有“抢走他人的对象(steal one’s girlfriend/boyfriend)”的意思。
- 你抽走了所有的资金,这是在挖我们公司的墙角。
You are hurting the fundamentals of our company by withdrawing all the funds. - 由于银行相互之间积极挖墙脚,薪酬水平迅速上升。
Salaries have risen fast, as banks become aggressive about poaching from each other.