Definition
Literally a medical 'heart stimulant' (a drug that strengthens heart contractions), but in everyday Chinese it's far more common as a metaphor for anything that gives a sudden boost or revitalizing push — a piece of good news, a policy, an injection of funds. The word functions as a concrete noun in both senses.
n.
cardiac stimulantheart stimulant (medical)(figurative) a shot in the armsomething that revitalizes or gives a strong boost
Examples
- 强心剂。Yīshēng gěi tā zhùshè le yì zhēn qiáng xīn jì.The doctor gave him an injection of a heart stimulant.
- 强心剂。Zhège hǎo xiāoxi xiàng yí jì qiáng xīn jì gěi quán gōngsī dài lái le xìnxīn.This good news was like a shot in the arm, bringing confidence to the whole company.
- 强心剂。Zhèngfǔ de jiǎnshuì zhèngcè chéng le jīngjì de qiáng xīn jì.The government's tax-cut policy became a stimulus for the economy.
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