Definition
摇摇欲坠 is a vivid four-character phrase meaning 'tottering, on the verge of collapse' — used both literally for buildings/structures and figuratively for regimes, companies, or relationships. It is more literary and dramatic than the plain verb 倒 (dǎo 'to fall/collapse'), which describes the actual event; 摇摇欲坠 paints the unstable state just before collapse.
phrase
totteringon the verge of collapse (of buildings, structures)(figurative) on the brink of collapse (of a regime, company, health, etc.)
Examples
- 摇摇欲坠，。Zhège zhèngquán yǐjīng yáo yáo yù zhuì, suíshí kěnéng bèi tuīfān.This regime is already on the verge of collapse and could be overthrown at any moment.
- 摇摇欲坠，。Nà zuò gǔ tǎ jīngguò dìzhèn hòu yáo yáo yù zhuì, bìxū lìjí jiāgù.After the earthquake, that ancient pagoda was tottering and must be reinforced immediately.
- 摇摇欲坠，。Tāmen de hūnyīn guānxì yáo yáo yù zhuì, zhǐ chà zuìhòu yì gēn dàocǎo.Their marriage is on the verge of collapse, just one last straw away.
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