Chinese Wall

noun

, Informal.

1. Great Wall of China.
2. an insuperable barrier or obstacle, as to understanding.

Chinese wall

noun

1. a notional barrier between the parts of a business, esp between the market makers and brokers of a stock-exchange business, across which no information should pass to the detriment of clients
2. an insurmountable obstacle

Word History and Origins

Origin of Chinese Wall¹

First recorded in 1905–10

Example Sentences

Judges rejected the petition, saying the presumption was that Mr. Mandelblit could maintain a “Chinese Wall.”

From New York Times

“Alternative solutions for heating are costly, there are to many cars and new buildings have created the Chinese Wall that stops air circulation.”

From Reuters

In 1910, Marlatt told Congress that America needed a “Chinese Wall” to keep out plant enemies, and the Plant Quarantine Act soon became law.

From Washington Times

So they had stayed put Friday when Butte County deputies drove through with loudspeakers and ordered evacuation of a large swath of mountain land off Chinese Wall Road.

From Los Angeles Times

So on Friday, Beck and her husband hung tight when Butte County deputies drove through with loudspeakers and ordered the evacuation of a large swath of mountain properties along Chinese Wall Road.

From Los Angeles Times