Definition
脚下 is a place word (处所词) whose core meaning is 'under the foot', but it extends metaphorically to time and space. You can use it literally for the ground beneath you, or figuratively for 'the present moment' (as in 眼下) and for anything 'immediately at hand' — whether a physical object or an abstract situation like success or challenges.
p.w.
under one's foot / underfoot(temporal) the present moment / right now(figurative) close at hand / immediate
Examples
- 脚下，。Zǒulù shí yào xiǎoxīn jiǎo xià, bié shuāidǎo le.When walking, be careful underfoot — don't fall.
- 脚下，。jiǎo xià de shíguāng cōngcōng ér guò, wǒmen yào zhēnxī.The time before us passes quickly; we must cherish it.
- 脚下，。Xìngfú jiù zài jiǎo xià, zhǐyào nǐ yuànyì màichū yí bù.Happiness is right under your feet — just be willing to take a step.
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