挟 xié to seize
How to remember 挟: 扌 hand + 夹 to support = to seize. When the old man stumbles on the stairs, a teenager reaches out to support him, using one quick hand to seize his arm.
Component breakdown
挟 = 扌 hand + 夹 to support
- 扌 hand
- 夹 to support
When the old man stumbles on the stairs, a teenager reaches out to support him, using one quick hand to seize his arm.
How it is used
- To hold under the arm; to coerce/hold hostage: 挟持 (xiéchí) to hold hostage/hijack, 要挟 (yāoxié) to blackmail/coerce.
- 挟天子以令诸侯 (xié tiānzǐ yǐ lìng zhūhóu) = to control the emperor to command the lords - using leverage over someone to dominate others.