Definition
临了 is a colloquial verb phrase meaning 'at the very end of something' or 'finally, when it comes down to it'. It often carries a sense of something happening unexpectedly or as a final twist after a process. You can use it in informal speech, usually with a comma after it or followed by a clause describing what happens at the last moment.
v.p.
(colloquial) finallyin the endat the last moment
Examples
- 临了，。lín le, tā háishì juédìng bú qù le.In the end, he still decided not to go.
- ，临了。Máng le yì zhěng tiān, lín le què wàng le dài yàoshi.After being busy all day, at the last moment I forgot to bring my keys.
- ，临了。Tā zhǔnbèi le hěn duō, lín le fāxiàn gēnběn yòng bu shàng.He prepared a lot, but in the end found it was completely unnecessary.
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