gate of hell; dangerous pass; critical juncture
Meanings
2 senses · 5 examplesnoun
gate of hell; the pass separating the living world from the underworld
literaryOriginates from Chinese mythology and folk belief. It is the first checkpoint souls must pass through after death, located at the boundary between the worlds of Yin (the dead) and Yang (the living).
Legend says that after death, the soul must pass through the gate of hell.
In the stories, the gate of hell is guarded by Ox-Head and Horse-Face.
noun
a dangerous or life-threatening place or situation; a critical juncture
neutralA common metaphorical extension of the original meaning, used to describe extremely perilous circumstances, a difficult ordeal, or a point of no return.
This surgery was a life-and-death ordeal for him.
The expedition finally made it through the swamp known as 'the gate of hell.'
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Market competition is fierce, and many small companies fail to survive this critical test.