开小灶 (kāi xiǎo zào) to give special favor; special treatment

Usage:

“开小灶”的来源:一般集体伙食中,常用大锅做饭,大家吃的都一样,而“开小灶”指的就是单独做一些其他的好吃的东西给少数特别的人吃。后来用来比喻提供超出一般的待遇或条件。口语中,经常使用“为/给某人开小灶”这一结构。
The original meaning of “开小灶” is to providing better food than the average standard. It is a metaphor of giving special favor. The structure “为/给某人开小灶” is often used.

Sentences:

1、Wèi le ràng suǒyǒu xuéshēng dōu néng qǔdé hǎo chéngjì, lǎoshī chángcháng zài kèhòu gěi chéngjì bùhǎo de xuésheng kāi xiǎozào.
为了让所有学生都能取得好成绩,老师常常在课后给成绩不好的学生开小灶。
In order to make all of the students get high scores, the teacher often gives extra help to the students who have low scores to study more after the school.

2、Rúguǒ jiàoliàn gěi yígè qiúyuán kāi xiǎozào, shuōmíng qiúduì yào zhòngyòng tā.
如果教练给一个球员开小灶,说明球队要重用他。
The player, who receives extra hours for training from his coach, will be entrusted with heavy responsibility.

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