Definition
This chengyu (four-character idiom) originally described a single calligraphy stroke with three distinct bends. Today it's used figuratively to describe a process full of unexpected turns, setbacks, or difficulties — think 'twists and turns,' 'ups and downs.' You'll hear it in contexts like projects, life stories, or plots that don't go smoothly.
f.e.
twists and turnsa series of setbacks or frustrations
Examples
- 一波三折。Zhège xiàngmù cóng kāishǐ dào jiéshù jīnglì le yī bō sān zhé.This project went through many twists and turns from start to finish.
- 一波三折，。Tā de rénshēng dàolù yī bō sān zhé, dàn tā cóngwèi fàngqì.His life path has had many ups and downs, but he never gave up.
- 一波三折，。Zhège gùshì de qíngjié yī bō sān zhé, fēicháng xīyǐn rén.The plot of this story is full of twists and turns, very engaging.
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