suffer a crushing defeat; be utterly routed
Tone colorsmāmámǎmàma
Meanings
1 sense · 4 examplesidiom
to suffer a crushing defeat; to be utterly routed; to fail completely beyond remedy
formalOriginally from the *Records of the Grand Historian* (史记), describing Liu Bang's early defeats. Now used broadly for military, business, sports, or personal failures that are total and irrecoverable. Carries a strong sense of finality and disaster.
Zhè这
chǎng场
bǐ比
sài赛
wǒ我
men们
shū输
de得
yī一
bài败
tú涂
dì地
。
We suffered a crushing defeat in this match.
Yóu由
yú于
zhàn战
lüè略
jué决
cè策
shī失
wù误
，
gōng公
sī司
zài在
shì市
chǎng场
jìng竞
zhēng争
zhōng中
yī一
bài败
tú涂
dì地
。
Due to strategic errors in decision-making, the company was utterly routed in the market competition.
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Dí敌
jūn军
suī虽
rán然
zhuāng装
bèi备
jīng精
liáng良
，
dàn但
zuì最
zhōng终
hái还
shì是
yī一
bài败
tú涂
dì地
。
Although the enemy troops were well-equipped, they ultimately suffered a total defeat.
Bié别
xiǎo小
kàn看
zhè这
gè个
duì对
shǒu手
，
fǒu否
zé则
nǐ你
huì会
shū输
de得
yī一
bài败
tú涂
dì地
。
Don't underestimate this opponent, or you'll end up losing completely.