Definition
急中生智 (jí zhōng-shēng zhì) means to have quick wits in an emergency — the clever idea is born out of the urgent situation itself. It differs from 灵机一动, which describes any sudden inspiration, not necessarily in a crisis, and contrasts with 足智多谋, which is a general trait of being resourceful rather than a specific reaction.
phrase
to have quick wits in an emergencyto react resourcefully under pressure
Examples
- ,急中生智,。Kāichē shí yù dào tūfā qíngkuàng, tā jí zhōng-shēng zhì, bìmiǎn le shìgù.When he encountered an unexpected situation while driving, he thought quickly and avoided an accident.
- ,急中生智,。Kǎoshì shí zuìhòu yī tí hěn nán, tā jí zhōng-shēng zhì, zhōngyú xiǎng chū le dá'àn.The last question on the exam was very hard, but he had quick wits and finally came up with the answer.
- ,急中生智,。Zài tánpàn zhōng, tā jí zhōng-shēng zhì, tíchū le yí gè shuāngfāng dōu néng jiēshòu de fāng'àn.During the negotiation, he reacted resourcefully and proposed a plan acceptable to both sides.
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