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, police have been known to pretend to be from the water utility to coerce residents into opening their doors. This may also appear as 查水表 (chá shuǐbiǎo), which carries the same meaning.

See also drink tea.