翻来覆去 fānlái-fùqù to toss and turn (sleeplessly)
to toss and turn (sleeplessly); again and again
How to remember 翻来覆去: 翻 turn over + 来 come + 覆 to cover + 去 go = to toss and turn (sleeplessly).
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How it is used
- Two senses: to toss and turn sleeplessly - 翻来覆去睡不着 (fānlái-fùqù shuì bù zháo) tossing and turning, unable to sleep; and 'over and over': 翻来覆去地说 (fānlái-fùqù de shuō) to say the same thing again and again.
- Idiom conveying restless repetition, whether physical turning or repeating an action.
- Colloquial, vivid register.