Definition
新陈代谢 (xīn chén dài xiè) is a fixed four-character expression with two related meanings: the literal biological process of metabolism, and an idiom meaning 'the new replaces the old' — a natural cycle of renewal. The figurative sense is common in contexts like organizations, society, or nature, where old elements are replaced by new ones.
phrase
metabolism (biology)
idiom
the new replaces the oldrenewal
Examples
- 新陈代谢。Yùndòng kěyǐ jiākuài xīn chén dài xiè.Exercise can speed up metabolism.
- 新陈代谢，。Gōngsī de xīn chén dài xiè ràng lǎo yuángōng líkāi, xīn yuángōng jiārù.The company's renewal caused old employees to leave and new ones to join.
- 新陈代谢，。xīn chén dài xiè shì zìrán guīlǜ, wǒmen dōu yào xuéhuì jiēshòu biànhuà.The replacement of the old by the new is a natural law; we all need to learn to accept change.
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