Definition
三长两短 is a Chinese idiom (成语) that literally means 'three longs and two shorts' but refers to an unexpected misfortune, especially death or a fatal accident. It is often used in a hypothetical or cautious tone, as in 'if something should happen to someone…' (万一有个三长两短). The origin is debated — one theory relates to the uneven lengths of coffin planks (three long, two short). You'll hear it in contexts of worry about someone's safety or health.
idiom
unexpected misfortuneespecially death or serious accident
Examples
- ，三长两短？Nǐ yí ge rén qù nàme wēixiǎn de dìfang, wànyī yǒu ge sān cháng liǎng duǎn zěnme bàn?If you go to such a dangerous place alone, what if something happens to you?
- ，三长两短。Tā niánjì dà le, jiārén hěn dānxīn tā chū sān cháng liǎng duǎn.He is old, and his family worries that something might happen to him.
- ，三长两短。Zhè cì shǒushù fēngxiǎn hěn gāo, yīshēng yǐjīng zuò hǎo le yìngduì sān cháng liǎng duǎn de zhǔnbèi.This surgery is very risky; the doctors have prepared for any unexpected misfortune.
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