提心吊胆

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Character Breakdown

Meaning and Usage

"提心吊胆" is a Chinese idiom describing a state of extreme anxiety and nervousness, often due to fear of potential danger or failure. It literally combines the ideas of "lifting the heart" and "hanging the gallbladder," metaphorically expressing a feeling of one's heart being suspended in tension.

Common Contexts

This phrase is frequently used to describe emotional states before important events such as exams, interviews, or in dangerous situations. It conveys a strong sense of worry and apprehension.

Collocations and Patterns

Nuances

Using 提心吊胆 implies more than mild worry; it suggests a deep, almost physical sensation of anxiety. It is more intense than simply feeling nervous or uneasy.

Common Confusions

Do not confuse 提心吊胆 with similar expressions like 紧张 (nervous) or 担心 (worried), which are milder. 提心吊胆 emphasizes a heightened, almost fearful tension.

Example Sentences

Before the exam, I was very anxious, afraid of doing poorly.

He waited anxiously for the interview results.

In that dangerous environment, everyone was very nervous, afraid something