Definition
This is a four-character idiom (成语) that literally means 'scorched head and bruised forehead' — the image comes from someone who has been fighting a fire and is left battered and singed. Figuratively, it describes being in a terrible fix, overwhelmed by difficulties, or so swamped with work or problems that you are completely frazzled. Use it after 忙得, 搞得, or 急得 to express the degree of distress.
idiom
in a terrible fixcompletely overwhelmedin deep trouble
Examples
- ，焦头烂额。Zuìjìn gōngzuò tài duō, wǒ máng de jiāo tóu làn é.There's too much work lately — I'm completely swamped.
- 焦头烂额。Tā bèi gè zhǒng máfan shì gǎo de jiāo tóu làn é.He's in a terrible fix because of all kinds of troubles.
- ，焦头烂额。Gōngsī cáiwù chū le wèntí, lǎobǎn jí de jiāo tóu làn é.The company's finances have gone wrong, and the boss is frantic.
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