To deliver an indirect warning or make a deliberate move to startle or alert someone, often by addressing a related party or issue.
经理在会议上批评了迟到的同事，这其实是敲山震虎，提醒大家要遵守公司的规章制度。
The manager criticized a colleague who was late during the meeting; this was actually an indirect warning, reminding everyone to abide by company rules.
Era:
Early Modern
Frequency:
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