穷途末路
穷途末路 (qióng tú mò lù) literally means “end of the road” and expresses “no options left”. This idiom is used when describing situations involving life philosophy.
Also searched as: qiong tu mo lu, qiong tu mo lu,穷途末路 meaning, 穷途末路 in english
No options left
Pronunciation: qióng tú mò lù Literal meaning: End of the road
Origin & Usage
The idiom 穷途末路 (qióng tú mò lù) is commonly used in classical Chinese literature to describe a situation where one has reached the end of the road, with no options left. The phrase paints a vivid picture of being at a dead end (穷途, blocked road) and having no further path to follow (末路, end of the road). It is often used to convey a sense of desperation and helplessness when all avenues seem exhausted. In modern usage, it serves as a metaphor for being in a predicament with no apparent solution, often due to circumstances beyond one's control.
Examples
English: "After exhausting all options, he felt trapped with no way out."
Chinese: 在穷途末路的情况下，他感到无路可退。
Related Chinese Idioms
Similar idioms about life philosophy
知行合一
zhī xíng hé yī
Practice what you know
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一波三折
yī bō sān zhé
Many twists and turns
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改邪归正
gǎi xié guī zhèng
Return to righteousness
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好逸恶劳
hào yì wù láo
Love ease, hate work
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物极必反
wù jí bì fǎn
Extremes lead to reversal
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破釜沉舟
pò fǔ chén zhōu
Commit with no retreat
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塞翁失马
sài wēng shī mǎ
Misfortune might be a blessing
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近水楼台
jìn shuǐ lóu tái
Advantage from close connections
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Frequently Asked Questions
What does 穷途末路 mean in English?
穷途末路 (qióng tú mò lù) literally translates to “End of the road” and is used to express “No options left”. This Chinese idiom belongs to the Life Philosophy category.
When is 穷途末路 used?
Situation: After exhausting all options, he felt trapped with no way out.
What is the pinyin for 穷途末路?
The pinyin pronunciation for 穷途末路 is “qióng tú mò lù”.