Definition
凶多吉少 is a fixed four-character idiom (成语) meaning the situation is full of omens that point to misfortune and offers little hope for good luck. You can use it to describe circumstances that promise to end badly — like a risky investment, a dangerous journey, or a forecast of failure. It's often used in 看起来凶多吉少 or 恐怕凶多吉少.
f.e.
idiom meaning the omens are more ominous than auspiciousto bode ill rather than well
Examples
- ，凶多吉少。Zhè cì tóuzī fēngxiǎn tài dà, kàn qǐlái xiōng duō jí shǎo.This investment is too risky; it looks like it will bode ill rather than well.
- ，凶多吉少。Yīshēng shuō tā bìngqíng èhuà, kǒngpà xiōng duō jí shǎo le.The doctor said his condition has worsened; I'm afraid the outlook is grim.
- ，凶多吉少。Tiānqì yùbào shuō hǎi shàng fēnglàng hěn dà, zhè cì chūhǎi xiōng duō jí shǎo.The weather forecast says the winds and waves at sea are strong; this voyage is likely to end badly.
Browse more HSK 7-9 words or search the full 43,000-word dictionary.