zin3 zoi6 jin4 soeng6 ,箭在弦上

Jyutpingzin3 zoi6 jin4 soeng6 ,

Yalejin joih yìhn seuhng ,

Definition

To reach the point of no return; an action that is imminent and cannot be stopped.

neutralother

How it's used

This idiom describes a situation where an action has been prepared and initiated to the extent that stopping is impossible or dangerous. It carries a sense of urgency and inevitability, often implying that the outcome is already set in motion. Unlike some idioms that are purely literary, this is frequently used in professional or serious discussions to signal that a project or decision is past the point of reversal.

Examples

gin6件si6事ji5已ging1經zin3箭zoi6在jin4弦soeng5上，m4唔zou6做dou1都m4唔dak1得laa1喇。

The matter has reached the point of no return, we have to do it.

ji1依gaa1家zin3箭zoi6在jin4弦soeng5上，nei5你zung6仲nam2諗zyu6住dim2點joeng2樣bei6避aa1呀？

Things have reached the point of no return now, how do you still plan to avoid it?

Common phrases

zin3箭zoi6在jin4弦soeng5上，bat1不dak1得bat1不faat3發

The arrow is on the string, it must be released; there is no turning back.

Common mistake

Learners often mistake this for a literal description of archery, but it is strictly used metaphorically for situations. Avoid using it for minor daily tasks, as it implies a level of gravity or significant commitment.