查水表 (chá shuǐ biǎo) — Check the water meter
Literally meaning 'check the water meter', this term has become a euphemism for someone coming to check on you when you’re not supposed to be doing something, often implying an unwelcome intrusion.
Example Usage
你在家办公太久，朋友来查水表，真是不方便。
You've been working from home too long, and now a friend comes to check on you; it’s really inconvenient.
Cultural Context
The phrase is often used in humorous contexts to describe interruptions or unwanted company.
Category: internet-culture