Definition
苟延残喘 is a four-character idiom (成语) that literally means 'barely prolong one's remaining gasps' — describing a dying person struggling for breath. Figuratively, it refers to something (an organization, regime, or situation) that is barely surviving in a steadily worsening condition, on the verge of collapse. Use it to emphasize that the end is near despite temporary continuation.
f.e.
to linger on in a steadily worsening conditionto barely survive on the verge of collapse
Examples
- 苟延残喘，。Zhè jiā gōngsī yǐjīng gǒu yán cán chuǎn le wǔ nián, zǎowǎn yào dǎobì.This company has lingered on for five years and will go bankrupt sooner or later.
- 苟延残喘。Nàge zhèngquán rújīn zhǐ néng kào wàiyuán gǒu yán cán chuǎn.That regime can now only barely survive by relying on foreign aid.
- ，苟延残喘。Tā bìng de hěn zhòng, zhǐshì zài yīyuàn lǐ gǒu yán cán chuǎn bà le.He is very ill and is merely lingering on in the hospital.
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