苗头 miáotou first signs
first signs; development (of a situation)
How to remember 苗头: 苗 sprouts + 头 head = first signs.
Characters
How it is used
- The first signs / early hint of a trend - 发现问题的苗头 (fāxiàn wèntí de miáotou) to spot the first signs of trouble.
- Note the light tone miáotou; usually of something bad brewing, caught early so it can be checked.
- Colloquial; 有苗头 = there are signs; 把问题消灭在萌芽/苗头阶段.