Meaning:

    The term refers to an edge ball in games such as table tennis, which is a tricky play but one that scores. The term is often used to describe someone who achieves their goals by bending the rules without being caught or by maneuvering in the gray area of the system. It’s also used when people take bold moves and hope to succeed by sheer luck.

    Example:

    A: 最近有个网络女主播靠打擦边球火了。她为了吸引人气，在直播过程中换衣服。

    Zuìjìn yǒu gè wǎngluò nǚzhǔbō kào dǎ cābiānqíu huǒ le。Tā wèi le xīyǐn rénqì, zài zhíbō guòchéng zhōng huàn yīfú。

    An online podcaster recently became popular by pushing the envelope. She changed clothing during a live broadcast to attract fans.

    B: 也是蛮拼的。

    Yě shì mánpīnde。

    Wow, that’s bold.

    A: 还是技术活呢，她虽然换了衣服但是没露点。

    Háishì jìshùhuó ne，tā suīrán huàn le yīfú dànshì méi lòudiǎn。

    It’s also a delicate job to do. Although she changed her clothes in the public, there was no wardrobe malfunction involved.