Definition
中流砥柱 is a four-character idiom (chengyu) from classical literature. Literally 'midstream pillar,' it refers to a person or force that plays a decisive stabilizing role within a group, organization, or country—especially during turbulent times. You can use it to describe an individual who stands firm and provides crucial support, like a mainstay.
idiom
a mainstaya pillarone who stands rock-firm in a critical role
Examples
- 中流砥柱。Tā shì zhège tuánduì de zhōng.He is the mainstay of this team.
- ，中流砥柱。Zài jīngjì wēijī zhōng, zhè jiā gōngsī chéngwéi hángyè de zhōng.During the economic crisis, this company became the pillar of the industry.
- 中流砥柱，。Zhè wèi lǎo jiàoshòu shì xuéxiào de zhōng, péiyǎng le wúshù réncái.This old professor is the mainstay of the school, nurturing countless talents.
Browse more HSK 7-9 words or search the full 43,000-word dictionary.