当机立断
当机立断 (dāng jī lì duàn) literally means “face opportunity immediately decide” and expresses “make a prompt decision”. This idiom is used when describing situations involving strategy and action.
Also searched as: dang ji li duan, dang ji li duan,当机立断 meaning, 当机立断 in english
Make a prompt decision
Pronunciation: dāng jī lì duàn Literal meaning: Face opportunity immediately decide
Origin & Usage
To meet (当) the moment (机) and settle it (断) on the spot (立). 机 is the pivot, the point at which a situation can still be turned, and 断 is to cut, so a decision here is severed rather than arrived at. The phrase praises timing rather than judgement: the same decision an hour later would not earn it. Commanders, surgeons, and anybody who committed while the choice was still there — with the implication that hesitating was the real risk.
Examples
English: "The commander made a swift decision in the crisis."
Chinese: 指挥官在危机中当机立断。
Related Chinese Idioms
Similar idioms about strategy & action
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suí jī yìng biàn
Adapt to circumstances; think on one's feet
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tiě zhèng rú shān
Irrefutable evidence; conclusive proof
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As everyone knows or is widely recognized
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大公无私
dà gōng wú sī
Completely impartial without self-interest
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Flawless; beyond criticism
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Frequently Asked Questions
What does 当机立断 mean in English?
当机立断 (dāng jī lì duàn) literally translates to “Face opportunity immediately decide” and is used to express “Make a prompt decision”. This Chinese idiom belongs to the Strategy & Action category.
When is 当机立断 used?
Situation: The commander made a swift decision in the crisis.
What is the pinyin for 当机立断?
The pinyin pronunciation for 当机立断 is “dāng jī lì duàn”.