九死一生

jiǔ sǐ yī shēng
idiom★Intermediate◆idiom
◆ What It Really Means
to have a narrow escape from death
Literal Meaning
nine deaths and one life
Literal Breakdown
九nine+死death+一one+生life
◇ Mental Image
The idiom paints a vivid picture of someone who has come very close to death multiple times but has managed to survive.
◈ When to Use
The idiom can be used in situations where someone has experienced a near-death experience, such as a serious accident or illness.
◉ Cultural Note
The idiom '九死一生' is deeply rooted in Chinese culture and is often used to express admiration for someone's resilience and determination to survive.
formal

to narrowly escape death; to have a narrow escape; to come very close to death; to have a brush with death

他九死一生才得以幸存。

He had a narrow escape from death.

Synonyms

Antonyms

📖Word Origin

The idiom '九死一生' originated from ancient China. It is believed to have come from the Han Dynasty (206 BCE - 220 CE).

📝Usage Notes

This idiom is often used to describe a situation where someone has experienced a life-threatening event but managed to survive.

Word Breakdown

九
nine
root
+
死
death
root
+
一
one
root
+
生
life
root
汉英词典