Definition
寸步难行 is a four-character idiom (成语) meaning literally 'unable to take even a single step.' It is used figuratively to describe being stuck in a very difficult situation where you cannot move forward or accomplish anything — often due to a lack of resources, money, or support. You can use it to express that without some essential condition, progress is impossible.
idiom
unable to take a single stepcompletely stuckunable to do anything (of a difficult situation)
Examples
- 寸步难行。Méiyǒu qián zhēn shì cùn bù nán.Without money, you really can't do anything.
- ，，寸步难行。Zài mòshēng chéngshì mí le lù, yǔyán bù tōng, jiǎnzhí cùn bù nán.Getting lost in a strange city without the language is almost impossible to get around.
- ，寸步难行。Bié bǎ kùnnan kàn de tài zhòng, fǒuzé huì ràng zìjǐ cùn bù nán.Don't make difficulties seem too serious, or you'll paralyze yourself.
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