Definition
箭在弦上 (jiàn zài xián shàng) is a chengyu that literally means 'an arrow is on the bowstring'. It describes a situation where everything is already set in motion — the action is unavoidable and there is no turning back. It is often used in contexts where a decision must be made or an event is about to happen, and the only option is to proceed. You may also hear it as part of the longer phrase '箭在弦上，不得不发' (the arrow is on the string, it has to be released).
idiom
an arrow on the bowstring — something is imminent and there is no turning back
Examples
- 箭在弦上，。Xiànzài jiàn zài xián shǎng, wǒmen yǐjīng méiyǒu tuìlù le.Now the arrow is on the bowstring — we have no way back.
- 箭在弦上，，。jiàn zài xián shǎng, bùdébù fā, wǒmen zhǐ néng jìxù qiánjìn.The arrow is on the string and must be released — we can only move forward.
- 箭在弦上，。Qíngkuàng yǐjīng jiàn zài xián shǎng, dàjiā zhǐ néng quánlì yǐ fù.The situation is already like an arrow on the bowstring — everyone can only give it their all.
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