ngai4 zoi6 daan3 zik6危在旦夕
Jyutpingngai4 zoi6 daan3 zik6
Yalengàih joih daan jihk
Definition
In imminent peril; hanging by a thread; on the verge of death or destruction.
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How it's used
This idiom carries a heavy, serious tone and is typically reserved for critical situations involving life or death, or the total collapse of an organization. Unlike casual expressions of danger, it implies that the situation is so dire that the end is expected within a very short period of time.
Examples
He is very ill, and his life hangs by a thread.
The company's finances are in imminent peril, what should we do?
Related words
Common phrases
life hangs by a thread
Common mistake
Learners often mistakenly use this for minor problems or general risks, but it is far too dramatic for everyday inconveniences. Reserve it for truly catastrophic or life-threatening circumstances.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- NegationHow to say no, not, didn't, and don't in Cantonese. The four main negation words and when to use each one.
- Numbers and moneyCounting, talking about money, and asking how much things cost. Includes the two words for two and the everyday words for dollars and cents.
- Aspect markersCantonese has no tenses, but it does have aspect markers. Learn how zo2, gwo3, gan2, and hai2 dou6 show completion, experience, and ongoing action.
