Definition
剑拔弩张 is a four-character idiom (成语) that describes a situation where two parties are in a tense standoff, ready to fight. The literal image is 'swords drawn and crossbows stretched', but it is used figuratively for any confrontation—diplomatic, competitive, or interpersonal—where hostilities are about to break out.
id.
to be at daggers drawnto be in a tenseconfrontational state
Examples
- 剑拔弩张，。Tánpàn shuāngfāng jiàn bá nǔ zhāng, qìfēn fēicháng jǐnzhāng.The two sides of the negotiation were at daggers drawn; the atmosphere was extremely tense.
- 剑拔弩张，。Liǎng guó jūnduì zài biānjìng jiàn bá nǔ zhāng, zhànzhēng yí chù jí fā.The armies of the two countries were at daggers drawn at the border; war was imminent.
- ，剑拔弩张，。Huìyì yì kāishǐ, shuāngfāng jiù jiàn bá nǔ zhāng, hùxiāng zhǐzé.As soon as the meeting started, both sides were at daggers drawn, accusing each other.
Browse more HSK 7-9 words or search the full 43,000-word dictionary.