hindered by circumstances; constrained by situation
Tone colorsmāmámǎmàma
Meanings
1 sense · 3 examplesidiom
hindered by the situation and constrained by circumstances; unable to act freely due to external conditions
formalA formal idiom originating from classical historical texts (e.g., Records of the Grand Historian). Describes a passive situation where objective conditions prevent one from taking desired action. Often used in written contexts to explain why certain strategies cannot be implemented.
Yóu由
yú于
xíng形
gé格
shì势
jìn禁
，
wǒ我
men们
bù不
dé得
bù不
zàn暂
shí时
fàng放
qì弃
zhè这
gè个
jì计
huà划
。
Due to constraints of the situation, we had no choice but to temporarily abandon this plan.
Dāng当
shí时
xíng形
gé格
shì势
jìn禁
，
tā他
suī虽
yǒu有
liáng良
cè策
yě也
nán难
yǐ以
shī施
zhǎn展
。
At that time, circumstances constrained him, and even though he had excellent strategies, he could not implement them.
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Xíng形
gé格
shì势
jìn禁
zhī之
xià下
，
wǒ我
men们
zhǐ只
néng能
xuǎn选
zé择
tuǒ妥
xié协
。
Under the constraints of the situation, we could only choose to compromise.