顺手 shùnshǒu as an incidental action while doing something else
as an incidental action while doing something else; while one is at it; in passing; smooth; easy; without difficulty
How to remember 顺手: 顺 to submit to + 手 hand = as an incidental action while doing something else.
Characters
How it is used
- To do something in passing / while you're at it, or (of a task) going smoothly - 顺手关灯 (shùnshǒu guān dēng) to turn off the light on your way; 今天做事很顺手 things went smoothly today.
- Two senses: an incidental effortless action (顺手买瓶水), and a task flowing easily.
- Note 顺手牵羊 = to pocket something in passing / petty theft. Colloquial and very common.