Check the water meter

抄水表 (chāo shuǐbiǎo): check the water meter

Top: We’re here to check the water meter! Bottom: He says their water meter is outside.

A euphemism for a house call from the police. Instead of demanding to be let in, the police simply pretend to be from the water utility and coerce the resident to open the door. This may also appear as 查水表 (chá shuǐbiǎo), which has the same meaning.

See also drink tea.