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Chinese frequency list

No. 6,461 in Chinese

摇摇欲坠

On the verge of collapse; unstable and about to fall.

In a sentence

  • 旧房子由于年久失修,看起来摇摇欲坠。

    The old house, due to years of neglect, appears to be on the verge of collapse.

    Here, '摇摇欲坠' is used to describe the physical condition of the house, suggesting it is unsteady and likely to fall apart.

  • 他的职业生涯因丑闻而摇摇欲坠。

    His career is on the verge of collapse due to scandal.

    In this sentence, '摇摇欲坠' metaphorically refers to a precarious or unstable state in a non-physical context, representing his career's instability.

  • 战争的阴影使两个国家间的和平摇摇欲坠。

    The shadow of war has made the peace between the two countries precarious.

    Here, '摇摇欲坠' metaphorically conveys instability in the abstract concept of peace, suggesting it is fragile and endangered.

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