Definition
捉襟见肘 is a chengyu meaning 'to have more problems than one can handle.' Its literal image is 'when you pull your lapel, your elbow shows' — describing a tattered outfit that can't be fixed. Figuratively, it refers to financial hardship, resource shortages, or any situation where addressing one problem exposes another. It is used to emphasize being overwhelmed by multiple difficulties at once.
idiom
to have more problems than one can handleto be overwhelmed by difficulties (often financial)
Examples
- 捉襟见肘，。Zhè jiā xiǎo gōngsī zuìjìn zhuō jīn jiàn, zījīn zhōuzhuǎn fēicháng kùnnan.This small company is overwhelmed with problems lately, and its cash flow is very difficult.
- ，捉襟见肘，。Xiàngmù tài duō, tā yì rén zhuō jīn jiàn, shízài máng bù guòlái.With too many projects, he alone is overwhelmed — he really can't manage.
- ，捉襟见肘，。Jiēdào zhème duō rènwu, tā gǎndào zhuō jīn jiàn, yālì hěn dà.Having received so many tasks, he feels overwhelmed and under great pressure.
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