Definition
变本加厉 is a four-character idiom meaning that something (usually negative) becomes even more extreme or intense than before. The literal image is 'changing the root and adding severity,' but it's used to describe a situation or behavior that escalates or worsens. You often see it with negative developments: 情况变本加厉 ('the situation got even worse').
f.e.
to get worseto intensify (used for negative situations or behaviors)
Examples
- ，变本加厉。Tā búdàn bù gǎizhèng cuòwù, fǎn'ér biàn běn jiā lì.Not only did he not correct his mistake, but he even intensified it.
- 变本加厉，。Zuìjìn gōngsī de guǎnlǐ wèntí biàn běn jiā lì, bìxū jǐnkuài jiějué.The company's management problems have recently worsened and must be resolved as soon as possible.
- ，变本加厉。Rúguǒ bù cǎiqǔ yǒuxiào cuòshī, yìqíng kěnéng huì biàn běn jiā lì.If effective measures are not taken, the epidemic may intensify further.
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