Definition
势不两立 is a four-character idiom (chengyu) meaning two sides are so opposed that they cannot coexist. The literal image is 'the situation does not allow both to stand'. You use it for irreconcilable conflicts between people, groups, or ideas. It often appears as a predicate or attributive.
f.e.
irreconcilableincompatiblemutually exclusive
Examples
- 势不两立,。Tāmen liǎ zhījiān shì bù liǎng lì, gēnběn wúfǎ hézuò.The two of them are irreconcilable and simply cannot cooperate.
- ,势不两立。Zhè liǎng ge gōngsī yīnwèi jìngzhēng jīliè, yǐjīng shì bù liǎng lì le.These two companies, due to fierce competition, have become irreconcilable.
- ,势不两立,。Zài xuǎnjǔ zhōng, liǎng wèi hòuxuǎnrén shì bù liǎng lì, gèzì zhēngqǔ zhīchí.In the election, the two candidates are incompatible, each seeking support.
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