Definition
举足轻重 (jǔ zú qīng zhòng) is an idiom meaning 'to play a decisive role' — it emphasizes that a person or factor can tip the balance and determine the outcome. It differs from 至关重要 (zhì guān zhòng yào), which simply means 'extremely important, vital', and from 重量级 (zhòng liàng jí), a figurative 'heavyweight' referring to high status or influence.
idiom
to play a decisive roleto hold the balanceto be of critical importance
Examples
- 举足轻重，。Zhè wèi jiàoshòu zài guójì xuéshù jiè jǔ zú qīng zhòng, tā de guāndiǎn wǎngwǎng néng gǎibiàn yánjiū fāngxiàng.This professor holds a decisive role in the international academic community; his opinions often change research directions.
- ，举足轻重，。Zài zhège tánpàn zhōng, Zhōngfāng de tàidu jǔ zú qīng zhòng, zhíjiē juédìng xiéyì néng fǒu dáchéng.In this negotiation, the Chinese side's attitude is of critical importance, directly determining whether the agreement can be reached.
- ，举足轻重。Tā suīrán zhíwèi bù gāo, dàn zài xiàngmù juécè shàng què shì jǔ zú qīng zhòng de rénwù.Although his position is not high, he is a pivotal figure in project decision-making.
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