势不可挡
势不可挡 (shì bù kě dǎng) literally means “momentum that cannot be blocked” and expresses “unstoppable; irresistible momentum”. This idiom is used when describing situations involving strategy and action. It originates from ancient Chinese literature and remains commonly used in modern Mandarin.
Also searched as: shi bu ke dang, shi bu ke dang,势不可挡 meaning, 势不可挡 in english
Unstoppable; irresistible momentum
Pronunciation: shì bù kě dǎng Literal meaning: Momentum that cannot be blocked
Origin & Usage
This idiom originated in military contexts during the Three Kingdoms period, describing armies with such overwhelming momentum (势) that they could not (不可) be blocked or resisted (挡). The concept of 'shi' (势) is central to Chinese strategic thinking, representing the dynamic force or momentum of a situation. Sunzi's 'Art of War' extensively discusses harnessing and creating unstoppable momentum. Modern usage extends to any powerful trend, movement, or force that cannot be resisted, from market forces to social changes.
When to Use
Situation: The technological revolution is an unstoppable force reshaping society.
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Related Chinese Idioms
Similar idioms about strategy & action
争分夺秒
zhēng fēn duó miǎo
Race against time; make every second count
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四通八达
sì tōng bā dá
Extending in all directions; well-connected
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后顾之忧
hòu gù zhī yōu
Concerns about hidden vulnerabilities
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乘风破浪
chéng fēng pò làng
Boldly forge ahead through adversity
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唱空城计
chàng kōng chéng jì
Use bold confidence to mask vulnerability
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不约而同
bù yuē ér tóng
Arrive at same point without coordination
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小心翼翼
xiǎo xīn yì yì
Act with extreme caution and care
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七手八脚
qī shǒu bā jiǎo
Many people busily working together in disorder
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Frequently Asked Questions
What does 势不可挡 mean in English?
势不可挡 (shì bù kě dǎng) literally translates to “Momentum that cannot be blocked” and is used to express “Unstoppable; irresistible momentum”. This Chinese idiom belongs to the Strategy & Action category.
When is 势不可挡 used?
Situation: This idiom applies when describing situations involving unstoppable; irresistible momentum.
What is the pinyin for 势不可挡?
The pinyin pronunciation for 势不可挡 is “shì bù kě dǎng”.