Definition
债台高筑 is a four-character idiom (成语) that literally means 'the debt platform is built high' — a vivid image of debts piling up like a tower. It describes a person, company, or government that is deeply in debt, often to the point of financial crisis. Use it in formal or written contexts to emphasize the severity of debt.
f.e.
to be heavily in debtdebt-ridden
Examples
- 债台高筑，。Zhè jiā gōngsī yǐjīng zhài tái gāo zhù, miànlín pòchǎn de fēngxiǎn.This company is already deeply in debt and faces the risk of bankruptcy.
- 债台高筑，。Tā yīnwèi dǔbó ér zhài tái gāo zhù, zuìhòu bùdébù màidiào fángzi.He became heavily in debt due to gambling and eventually had to sell his house.
- 债台高筑，。Zhèngfǔ rúguǒ zhài tái gāo zhù, jiù huì yǐngxiǎng gōnggòng fúwù de zhìliàng.If the government is deeply in debt, it will affect the quality of public services.
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