Chinese Idiom 56

Meaning: This idiom translates to "a thousand pounds hanging by a single thread." It describes a precarious situation where a significant outcome hinges on a small and fragile factor.

Explanation: The phrase conveys the idea of great risk or danger, where a heavy weight or significant consequence hangs by the thinnest of threads.

Usage: "千钧一发" is used to emphasize the critical nature of a situation where a tiny mistake or mishap could lead to catastrophic results.

Example: When describing a situation where success or failure hangs in the balance, one might say, "他们的计划千钧一发，任何错误都可能导致失败" (tāmen de jì huà qiān jūn yī fà, rèn hé cuò wù dōu kě néng dǎo zhì shī bài), meaning "Their plan is hanging by a thread, any mistake could lead to failure."