Definition
紧箍咒 comes from the classic novel Journey to the West — a magic spell that tightens a headband to control Sun Wukong. Today it is used figuratively for any inescapable restriction or binding constraint, such as a strict rule, a contract, or social pressure that limits one's freedom.
n.
(literal) the tightening-crown spell from Journey to the West(figurative) an inescapable restriction or binding constraint
Examples
- 紧箍咒。Sūn Wùkōng zuì pà Táng Sēng niàn jǐn gū zhòu.Sun Wukong was most afraid of Tang Seng reciting the tightening-crown spell.
- 紧箍咒，。Gōngsī de guīdìng xiàng jǐn gū zhòu yíyàng, ràng tā bù gǎn fàngsōng.The company regulations are like a binding spell, keeping him from relaxing.
- 紧箍咒。Zhège zhèngcè de jǐn gū zhòu xiàoyìng ràng hěnduō rén gǎndào yālì.The binding effect of this policy puts a lot of pressure on people.
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