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shāo 稍 zòng 纵 jí 即 shì 逝

稍纵即逝 shāo zòng jí shì

fleeting; gone in a flash if not seized

Literally: slightly loosen then vanish

Advanced ⏳ Time & change
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Origin

From Su Shi's Wen Yuke Hua Yundang Gu Yanzhu Ji: 振笔直遂,以追其所见,如兔起鹘落,少纵则逝矣.

How to use it

Attributive or predicate; neutral, often with a sense of urgency. Often 稍纵即逝的机会/灵感.

Example sentences

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  1. 机会稍纵即逝，我们必须立刻做出决定。
    Jīhuì shāo zòng jí shì, wǒmen bìxū lìkè zuòchū juédìng.
    The opportunity will vanish in an instant; we must decide immediately.
    opportunity slightly loosen then vanish, we must immediately make-out decision
  2. 作家总是随身带着笔记本，以便记下稍纵即逝的灵感。
    Zuòjiā zǒngshì suíshēn dàizhe bǐjìběn, yǐbiàn jìxià shāo zòng jí shì de línggǎn.
    The writer always carries a notebook so as to jot down fleeting inspirations.
    writer always on-person carry (continuous particle) notebook, so as to note down slightly loosen then vanish (attributive particle) inspiration

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