approaching death; near one's end; dying
Tone colorsmāmámǎmàma
Meanings
1 sense · 3 examplesidiom
to be approaching death; to have one foot in the grave
formalA formal and literary euphemism for impending death, often used to describe elderly people or those with terminal illnesses. Carries a solemn, respectful tone rather than being derogatory.
Zhè这
wèi位
lǎo老
rén人
yǐ已
shì是
xíng行
jiāng将
jiù就
mù木
，
què却
yī依
rán然
guān关
xīn心
zhe着
guó国
jiā家
dà大
shì事
。
Though this old man has one foot in the grave, he still concerns himself with matters of national importance.
Tā他
zì自
zhī知
xíng行
jiāng将
jiù就
mù木
，
biàn便
zǎo早
zǎo早
lì立
xià下
le了
yí遗
zhǔ嘱
。
Knowing he was approaching death, he made out his will early on.
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Zài在
nà那
gè个
xíng行
jiāng将
jiù就
mù木
de的
wáng王
cháo朝
，
gè各
zhǒng种
shè社
huì会
máo矛
dùn盾
rì日
yì益
jiān尖
ruì锐
。
In that dynasty which was nearing its end, various social conflicts grew increasingly sharp.