No. 17,878 in Korean
솜방망이
"솜방망이" refers to a "soft club" or "cotton bat," metaphorically describing something weak or lenient, often used to criticize mild punishment or ineffective measures.
In a sentence
그는 솜방망이 처벌을 받았다.
He received a lenient punishment.
The term '솜방망이' metaphorically refers to 'leniency' or ineffective retribution, as a 'cotton bat' wouldn't cause harm.
솜방망이로 친구를 장난스럽게 때렸다.
He playfully hit his friend with a cotton bat.
Here '솜방망이' literally refers to a 'cotton bat', as a soft object used in a playful context.
그 정책은 솜방망이에 지나지 않았다.
That policy was no more than a token gesture.
In this usage, '솜방망이' symbolizes lack of effectiveness or superficial action, resembling a 'cotton bat' that lacks impact.
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