把 A 往 B 上套
to force-fit A onto B; to make A fit a template
Structure
把 A 往 B 上套
What it means
To press A into the shape of B, making it fit a template or description. Usually critical: the fit is forced. 套 is to slip something over or into a mould.
How it is built
把 + A +（硬）往 + B + localiser + 套: 别把别人的成功经验硬往自己身上套 (don't force others' recipes for success onto yourself). 上 for a model, 身上 for a person, 里 for a frame.
When to use it
Criticising forced comparisons or misapplied theories; 硬 often comes before 往. Compare neutral 套用 (to apply a formula or template) and the idiom 对号入座 (to see oneself in a description).
Watch out
B needs a localiser: ✗往描述套 ✓往描述上套. Choose it by type: 往自己身上套, 往框框里套.
Examples
有人把自己往描述上套，明明喜欢热闹，只因测试结果是i人，就刻意少说话。
Some people force themselves into the description: they love company, but because the test made them an i, they deliberately say less.
别把别人的成功经验硬往自己身上套，每个人的情况都不一样。
Don’t try to force other people’s recipes for success onto yourself; everyone’s situation is different.
这篇论文把西方的理论硬往中国的现实上套，结论很难让人信服。
This paper forces a Western theory onto Chinese realities, and its conclusions are hard to accept.
Learn this in Lesson 249 · HSK 9+: i人还是e人 (Introvert or extrovert?)
A dialogue, a reading, word cards with audio and a drill that uses it, in Learn Chinese with Bao. The first lessons of every level are free.
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