hei2 sei2 wui4 sang1起死回生
Definition
To bring back to life; to save from the brink of death, or to rescue a hopeless situation.
- to bring the dead back to life; to save from the jaws of death
- figurativeto rescue a hopeless situation or a project on the brink of failure
How it's used
Used primarily to describe miraculous recoveries or the sudden turnaround of a hopeless situation, such as a failing business or a dying project. It carries a dramatic weight, often implying that the situation was beyond conventional repair until this intervention occurred. While it can be used for medical contexts, it is equally common in professional or casual settings to describe saving something from total collapse.
Examples
Related words
Common phrases
Common mistake
Avoid using this to describe simple improvements or minor fixes, as the idiom implies a situation that was essentially dead or completely abandoned. It is too hyperbolic for everyday tasks like fixing a broken appliance or improving a test score.
Grammar color guide
Grammar guides
- TonesCantonese has six tones, and the tones can change in certain grammatical contexts. Learn the six tones and the rules for tone change.
- Time and datesClock time, days of the week, months, and years. The patterns you need to make plans and talk about when things happen.
- Modal verbsHow to say can, will, may, should, must, and want. The core modal verbs of Cantonese and the differences that trip up beginners.
