当头一棒 (dāng) — (figurative) a sudden, harsh wake-up call; a severe warning or shock that forces someone to face reality
Definition
A set phrase meaning 'a sudden, harsh wake-up call' — a figurative blow that forces someone to face reality. Used for events, words, or criticism that jolt someone awake, not a literal strike.
(figurative) a suddenharsh wake-up calla severe warning or shock that forces someone to face reality
Examples
- 当头一棒，。Lǎo shī de huà xiàng dāng, ràng tā lì kè qīng xǐng guò lái.The teacher's words were like a sudden blow to the head, making him snap out of it immediately.
- 当头一棒，。Zhè cì shī bài duì tā lái shuō zhēn shì dāng, cóng cǐ tā zài yě bù gǎn mǎ hu le.This failure was a real wake-up call for him; from then on he never dared to be careless again.
- 当头一棒，。Fù qīn de pī píng gěi le ér zi dāng, ràng tā míng bai le zì jǐ de cuò wù.The father's criticism was a sharp blow to his son, making him realize his own mistake.
Appears in
Browse more HSK 7-9 words or search the full 43,000-word dictionary.