脱轨 (tuō guǐ) — to derail (literal and figurative)

Definition

Literally 'leave the track' (火车脱轨 = a train derails), and by extension a life, career, or behavior 'goes off the rails' from what is normal or expected. Separable: 脱…轨.

verb

to derail (literal and figurative)

Examples

脱轨。
Huǒ chē tuō guǐ le.
The train derailed.
。
Nà liàng huǒ chē tuō guò yí cì guǐ.
That train derailed once.
脱轨。
Tā de shì yè tuō guǐ le.
His career derailed.

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