Definition
This is a four-character idiom (成语) meaning 'on the verge of death' — used literally for someone dying, and figuratively for anything that is about to collapse or end, like a business, project, or relationship. It paints a vivid picture of the last, faint breath before death.
f.e.
on the verge of death (literal or figurative)
Examples
- 奄奄一息，。Nà ge bìngrén yǐjīng yān yān yī xī, yīshēng zhèngzài qiǎngjiù.That patient is on the verge of death, and the doctor is rescuing him.
- 奄奄一息，。Zhè jiā gōngsī yǐjīng yān yān yī xī, kuài yào dǎobì le.This company is on its last legs and is about to go bankrupt.
- 奄奄一息，。Zhège xiàngmù yǐjīng yān yān yī xī, xūyào xīn de tóuzī.This project is on the verge of collapse and needs new investment.
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