急中生智 (jí zhōng-shēng zhì) — to have quick wits in an emergency; to react resourcefully under pressure

Definition

A chengyu meaning 'quick-witted under pressure' — the wit is forced out by a crisis. Compare 灵机一动 (a sudden idea, no crisis needed) and 足智多谋 (generally resourceful, not just in emergencies).

phrase
to have quick wits in an emergencyto react resourcefully under pressure

Examples

  • 急中生智
    Kāi chē shí yù dào tū fā qíng kuàng, tā jí zhōng-shēng zhì, bì miǎn le shì gù.
    When he encountered an unexpected situation while driving, he thought quickly and avoided an accident.
  • 急中生智
    Kǎo shì shí zuì hòu yì tí hěn nán, tā jí zhōng-shēng zhì, zhōng yú xiǎng chū le dá àn.
    The last question on the exam was very hard, but he had quick wits and finally came up with the answer.
  • 急中生智
    Zài tán pàn zhōng, tā jí zhōng-shēng zhì, tí chū le yí gè shuāng fāng dōu néng jiē shòu de fāng àn.
    During the negotiation, he reacted resourcefully and proposed a plan acceptable to both sides.

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