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逆鳞

nì líndictionary entry
DEFINITION CC-CEDICT
(Chinese legend) a patch of scales on a dragon's neck that grow in the opposite direction, which when touched enrages the dragon / (fig.) sensitive subject or trigger issue that provokes a strong emotional reaction when sb's views on it are challenged
Sources & editorial notes

Reference definitions: CC-CEDICT contributors and MDBG, CC BY-SA 4.0. Source release 2026-10-27T01:55:52Z. Imported 2026-10-27. Definition wording and meaning order are retained. Recognized pronunciation references are displayed with tone marks; the original source record is available below.

Source record: cd-4a9973f3d409dc43. Source SHA-256: bbc4b27f26bee1a262f4d7939667a040c7857c7fc0200a2fa7a86d3352a09eae.

Original source entry:

逆鱗 逆鳞 [ni4 lin2] /(Chinese legend) a patch of scales on a dragon's neck that grow in the opposite direction, which when touched enrages the dragon/(fig.) sensitive subject or trigger issue that provokes a strong emotional reaction when sb's views on it are challenged/

Reference definitions and teaching material have separate provenance.

Reference information

The definitions above are from CC-CEDICT. Examples and usage notes are available on selected entries.

Character information

View the individual characters. Their meanings do not necessarily explain the meaning of the whole word.

Other forms in these source records: 逆鱗

  • 逆
    nì

    contrary / opposite / backwards / to go against / to oppose / to betray / to rebel

  • 鳞
    lín

    scales (of fish, snakes etc)

Reference definitions from CC-CEDICT.