‘挤牙膏’ literally means 'to squeeze toothpaste' — referring to the physical act of pressing a tube to release toothpaste. But as an idiom, it describes the reluctant, slow, and piecemeal disclosure of information, often under pressure or repeated questioning — like squeezing only a tiny bit of toothpaste out at a time. The character 挤 (jǐ) means 'to squeeze' or 'to press', 牙 (yá) means 'tooth', and 膏 (gāo) means 'paste' or 'ointment'; together, they evoke the image of extracting something viscous and resistant.

This expression is widely used in informal spoken and written Chinese, especially when someone is evasive, uncooperative, or deliberately withholding facts — for example, during interviews, interrogations, or even casual conversations where answers are vague or delayed. It carries a mildly negative or teasing connotation, implying impatience with the speaker’s unwillingness to be open or direct.