势不可挡(勢不可擋)
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 & action.
Also searched as: shi bu ke dang, shi bu ke dang,势不可挡 meaning, 势不可挡 in english
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
万无一失
wàn wú yī shī
Absolutely sure; foolproof
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密不透风
mì bù tòu fēng
Airtight; impenetrable
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天罗地网
tiān luó dì wǎng
Inescapable net; dragnet
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势在必行
shì zài bì xíng
Be imperative; must be done
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稳扎稳打
wěn zhā wěn dǎ
Proceed steadily; consolidate before advancing
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欲擒故纵
yù qín gù zòng
Give slack before tightening; let go to catch
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围魏救赵
wéi wèi jiù zhào
Relieve pressure by attacking the source
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以退为进
yǐ tuì wéi jìn
Strategic retreat for ultimate victory
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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 theStrategy & Action category..
When is 势不可挡 used?
Situation: The technological revolution is an unstoppable force reshaping society.
What is the pinyin for 势不可挡?
The pinyin pronunciation for 势不可挡 is “shì bù kě dǎng”.