Definition
呼之欲出 is a four-character idiom (chengyu) that literally means 'call it and it will come out'. It originally describes a figure in a painting or literary work so vividly portrayed that it seems about to step out of the frame. By extension, it is used for something that is obvious or almost certain to happen — like a result or conclusion that is clearly emerging. Use it as a predicate or attributive phrase in formal or literary contexts.
idiom
to be vividly portrayed (of a character in art or literature, so lifelike it seems about to step out)to be obvious or almost certain (of a result or outcome)
Examples
- 呼之欲出，。Zhè fú huà zhōng de rénwù hū zhī yù chū, fǎngfú yào cóng huà lǐ zǒu chūlái.The figures in this painting are so vividly portrayed they seem about to step out of the frame.
- 呼之欲出，。Bǐsài jiéguǒ yǐjīng hū zhī yù chū, guànjūn fēi tā mò shǔ.The outcome of the match is already obvious; the championship is undoubtedly his.
- ，呼之欲出。Cóng mùqián de zhèngjù lái kàn, zhēnxiàng hū zhī yù chū.Based on the current evidence, the truth is almost certain to emerge.
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