beyond cure; beyond saving; hopeless
Meanings
2 senses · 6 examplesidiom
the disease has reached the vital organs; beyond cure
formalLiterally means the illness has reached the 'gāo' (fatty tissue of the heart) and 'huāng' (area between the heart and diaphragm), parts believed untreatable in ancient Chinese medicine.
After diagnosis, the doctor sighed, saying this patient was beyond cure and no medicine could save him.
In ancient times, once many diseases progressed to an incurable stage, it was equivalent to a death sentence.
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He suffers from a terminal illness, which was found to be beyond cure at the time of discovery.
idiom
the situation is so bad it cannot be salvaged; beyond recovery
formalThis metaphorical usage is very common. It can describe serious problems in relationships, systems, politics, projects, etc., suggesting a point of no return.
This company's management is chaotic, and its financial reports are fraudulent. It's beyond saving, and even restructuring cannot rescue it.
Their marital conflicts have accumulated for years, and the situation is now beyond repair; divorce is the only way out.
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The corruption within the bureaucratic system is long beyond remedy, making reforms extremely difficult.