Definition
This four-character idiom (成语) literally means 'life and death are at stake', but is used more broadly to describe any critical moment or issue where the outcome determines success or failure. It emphasizes extreme urgency or importance, often in contexts like medicine, business, or international relations.
n.
matter of life or deathcritical moment where stakes are extremely high
Examples
- 生死攸关，。Zhè cì shǒushù shēng sǐ yōu guān, yīshēngmen fēicháng jǐnshèn.This surgery is a matter of life or death, so the doctors are very cautious.
- ，生死攸关。Duì zhè jiā gōngsī lái shuō, zhè bǐ tóuzī shēng sǐ yōu guān.For this company, this investment is a matter of life or death.
- 生死攸关，。Tánpàn de jiéguǒ shēng sǐ yōu guān, jiāng juédìng liǎng guó guānxì de wèilái.The outcome of the negotiations is a matter of life or death, and will determine the future of relations between the two countries.
Browse more HSK 7-9 words or search the full 43,000-word dictionary.