Chinese

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to do shadowboxing sell herbal plaster; medicated patch; poultice
trad. (拍拳賣膏藥) 拍拳 膏藥
simp. (拍拳卖膏药) 拍拳 膏药

Etymology

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From itinerant merchants selling medicine for injuries by performing shadowboxing and martial arts performance to attract customers.

Pronunciation

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Idiom

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拍拳賣膏藥

  1. (Hokkien) to leave home, travel around, and earn a living through one's skill and bragging (especially untrustworthy bragging)