Definition
鹿死谁手 is a four-character idiom (成语) from Chinese history, literally 'at whose hand will the deer die?' — the deer represents the imperial throne or the prize of victory. You use it when a competition or contest is still undecided and the outcome is uncertain, especially in politics, sports, or business rivalries. The literal image is misleading; the meaning is 'who will ultimately win' or 'who will come out on top'.
idiom
who will ultimately winthe outcome is still uncertain
Examples
- ，鹿死谁手，。Zhè cì bǐsài gāoshǒu rú yún, jiūjìng lù sǐ shéi shǒu, hái hěn nán shuō.This competition is full of masters — it's hard to say who will ultimately win.
- ，鹿死谁手。Liǎng jiā gōngsī jìngzhēng jīliè, lù sǐ shéi shǒu shàng wèi kě zhī.The two companies are in fierce competition; it's still unknown who will come out on top.
- ，鹿死谁手。Zǒngtǒng dàxuǎn jìnrù zuìhòu jiēduàn, lù sǐ shéi shǒu yǐn rén guānzhù.The presidential election has entered its final stage, and who will win draws much attention.
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