死结 (sǐ jié) — (noun) a tight knot that cannot be untied; dead knot; (noun) insoluble problem; deadlock; (noun) deep-seated grudge; long-standing enmity
Definition
Literally 'dead knot' — a knot so tight it cannot be untied. Figuratively used for a problem or grudge that seems unsolvable and resists any attempt to break it apart.
noun
a tight knot that cannot be untieddead knotinsoluble problemdeadlockdeep-seated grudgelong-standing enmity
Measure word · 个
Examples
- 死结。Zhè ge shéng zi shàng de sǐ jié zěn me yě jiě bù kāi.This knot on the rope just can't be untied.
- 死结,。Liǎng guó de tán pàn xiàn rù le sǐ jié, duǎn qī nèi hěn nán jiě jué.The negotiations between the two countries have reached a deadlock and will be difficult to resolve in the short term.
- 死结,。Tā men zhī jiān de sǐ jié yǐ jīng cún zài duō nián le, shuí dōu bú yuàn yì xiān ràng bù.The grudge between them has existed for many years, and neither is willing to give in first.
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