desert on the eve of battle; shrink back at the critical moment
Tone colorsmāmámǎmàma
Meanings
2 senses · 5 examplesphrase
to desert or run away on the eve of battle
formalLiteral meaning, referring to military personnel abandoning their post or fleeing just before combat.
Gǔ古
shí时
hou候
，
lín临
zhèn阵
tuō脱
táo逃
de的
shì士
bīng兵
huì会
bèi被
chǔ处
yǐ以
jí极
xíng刑
。
In ancient times, soldiers who deserted on the eve of battle would be executed.
Tā他
zuò作
wéi为
zhǐ指
huī挥
guān官
，
jué绝
bù不
kě可
néng能
zuò做
chū出
lín临
zhèn阵
tuō脱
táo逃
de的
shì事
。
As a commander, he would absolutely never do something like deserting on the eve of battle.
phrase
to shrink back or escape when the moment of action arrives
neutralCommon metaphorical usage, criticizing someone who backs out of a responsibility or challenge at the last minute.
Chéng承
nuò诺
zuò做
xiàng项
mù目
de的
shì是
tā他
，
jié结
guǒ果
què却
zài在
zuì最
hòu后
qī期
xiàn限
qián前
lín临
zhèn阵
tuō脱
táo逃
le了
。
He was the one who promised to do the project, but he ended up backing out right before the deadline.
Miàn面
duì对
kùn困
nán难
，
wǒ我
men们
bù不
néng能
lín临
zhèn阵
tuō脱
táo逃
，
ér而
yào要
yǒng勇
gǎn敢
miàn面
duì对
。
In the face of difficulties, we must not shrink back but face them bravely.
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Tā他
měi每
cì次
yù遇
dào到
zhòng重
dà大
jué决
dìng定
jiù就
lín临
zhèn阵
tuō脱
táo逃
，
zhè这
ràng让
tuán团
duì队
hěn很
shī失
wàng望
。
He always backs out whenever a major decision is needed, which disappoints the team.