Definition
死结 literally means a 'dead knot' — a knot that is tightly tied and impossible to untie. It is commonly used as a metaphor for an insoluble problem or a long-standing personal grudge that is hard to resolve. In both literal and figurative uses, the key idea is something that cannot be undone.
noun
a tight knot that cannot be untieddead knotinsoluble problemdeadlockdeep-seated grudgelong-standing enmity
Examples
- 死结。Zhège shéngzi shàng de sǐ jié zěnme yě jiě bu kāi.This knot on the rope just can't be untied.
- 死结，。Liǎng guó de tánpàn xiàn rù le sǐ jié, duǎnqí nèi hěn nán jiějué.The negotiations between the two countries have reached a deadlock and will be difficult to resolve in the short term.
- 死结，。Tāmen zhī jiān de sǐ jié yǐjīng cúnzài duō nián le, shuí dōu bú yuànyì xiān ràngbù.The grudge between them has existed for many years, and neither is willing to give in first.
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