刻不容缓

kè bù róng huǎn

  • Meaning

    Literal

    The moment does not allow for delay

    Usage

    Used to indicate that something is extremely pressing or urgent

  • Connotation

    Neutral

  • Usage Examples

    全球环境污染日趋严重，保护环境刻不容缓 | Quánqiú huánjìng wūrǎn rìqū yánzhòng, bǎohù huánjìng kèbùrónghuǎn
    Pollution around the world grows more and more serious each day. We must brook no delay in protecting the environment
    [Source]

    我刻不容缓地冲过去跳入水中向他游去 | Wǒ kèbùrónghuǎn de chōng guòqù tiàorù shuǐ zhōng xiàng tā yóu qù
    I immediately rushed over, jumped into the water, and swan towards him
    [Source]

  • Equivalents

    English

    To brook no delay

    Chinese

    None

  • Entry Notes

    This is an HSK chengyu

  • Origin

    《齐东野语》(Qí Dōng Yě Yǔ), a work by Sòng Dynasty (宋, 960 - 1279) author 周密 (Zhōu Mì)

  • Story

    This chengyu comes from a line in the work listed in the "Origin" section above

  • Citations and Helpful Resources

    • 汉语成语小词典 (hànyǔ chéngyǔ xiǎo cídiǎn)
    • 现代汉语规范词典 (xiàndài hànyǔ guīfàn cídiǎn)
    • 多功能成语词典 (duō gōngnéng chéngyǔ cídiǎn)
    • 汉语大词典 (hànyǔ dà cídiǎn)
    • ABC Chinese-English Comprehensive Dictionary
    • Pleco Basic Chinese-English Dictionary
    • 百度百科[x]