Meanings of 千钧一发
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Podcast: 千钧一发
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AI study notes for 千钧一发
Be careful not to use this idiom in contexts where the stakes are low, as it conveys urgency and seriousness. It is more formal, so it may not be suitable for casual conversations. Common collocations include '面临千钧一发的危机' (facing an imminent crisis).
While this idiom may not appear in HSK materials directly, understanding it can enhance comprehension of nuanced expressions at higher levels. Students should focus on idioms as a way to express complex ideas concisely, connecting this one to others that describe urgency or danger.
Learners often confuse this idiom with more general phrases about urgency. For example, saying '这是千钧一发的工作' (This is a work of imminent peril) is incorrect; instead, use it in contexts of true danger, like '他面临千钧一发的局面' (He is facing a precarious situation).
Pronunciation of 千钧一发
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Component characters
How to say a thousand pounds hangs by a thread (idiom) in Chinese
“a thousand pounds hangs by a thread (idiom)” in Chinese is千钧一发
The idiom 千钧一发 (qiān jūn yī fà) metaphorically describes a situation that is extremely precarious, where a significant weight or consequence hangs by a thin thread. It is commonly used in contexts where a decision or action must be made quickly to avoid disaster, often implying a life-or-death scenario.
When to use 千钧一发
Be careful not to use this idiom in contexts where the stakes are low, as it conveys urgency and seriousness. It is more formal, so it may not be suitable for casual conversations. Common collocations include '面临千钧一发的危机' (facing an imminent crisis).
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse this idiom with more general phrases about urgency. For example, saying '这是千钧一发的工作' (This is a work of imminent peril) is incorrect; instead, use it in contexts of true danger, like '他面临千钧一发的局面' (He is facing a precarious situation).
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Cultural Notes for 千钧一发
In Western cultures, similar expressions like 'walking on a tightrope' convey the idea of precariousness but may not always emphasize the life-or-death aspect inherent in this idiom.
Frequently asked questions about 千钧一发
No, 千钧一发 implies serious danger, so it's inappropriate for casual or humorous situations.
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