a stick to beat someone with
US /ə stɪk tə biːt ˈsʌm.wʌn wɪθ/
UK /ə stɪk tə biːt ˈsʌm.wʌn wɪθ/
1.
攻击某人的把柄, 批评的借口
a piece of information or an argument that can be used to criticize or harm someone
:
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His past mistakes became a stick to beat him with during the election campaign.
他过去的错误成了竞选期间攻击他的把柄。
•
Don't give them a stick to beat you with by admitting your weaknesses.
不要通过承认自己的弱点给他们攻击你的把柄。