Definition
退路 has two related senses: a literal escape route or path for retreat, and a figurative backup plan or leeway that gives you options if things go wrong. In everyday use, the figurative sense (as in 留退路 'leave oneself a fallback') is more common than the military one.
n.
retreat routeescape pathleewaysomething to fall back onbackup plan
Examples
- 退路，。Jūnduì méiyǒu tuì lù, zhǐ néng jìxù qiánjìn.The army had no retreat route and could only continue forward.
- 退路。Tā zuòshì cóng bù liú tuì lù.He never leaves himself any leeway when doing things.
- 退路。Tóuzī qián yào gěi zìjǐ liú tiáo tuì lù.Before investing, you should leave yourself a fallback.
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