东奔西走 dōngbēn-xīzǒu to run this way and that (idiom)
to run this way and that (idiom); to rush about busily; to bustle about; to hopscotch; also 东跑西颠
How to remember 东奔西走: 东 east + 奔 to rush about + 西 west + 走 to walk = to run this way and that (idiom).
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How it is used
- To rush around everywhere, busy on the move - 为了生计东奔西走 (wèile shēngjì dōngbēn-xīzǒu) rushing about to make a living.
- The 东…西… frame means 'this way and that'; stresses tiring, scattered running-around, often to get things done.
- Near 四处奔波 (sìchù bēnbō), similar meaning; 东奔西走 is the more vivid, idiomatic version.