📖 Meaning
To suddenly come up with a clever idea or solution in a moment of urgency or crisis. It describes the ability to think quickly and resourcefully when under pressure. The phrase highlights how difficult circumstances can stimulate sharp, spontaneous thinking.
📜 Origin Story
This idiom originates from the preface to the Tang dynasty poet Bai Juyi's 'Twenty-Three Poems Matching Wei Zhi.' In the preface, Bai Juyi reflects on a friendly poetry contest with his fellow poet Yuan Zhen (courtesy name Wei Zhi), writing that when challenged by a worthy opponent, one's spirit rises and wisdom emerges in moments of urgency. The passage captures the idea that pressure and competition can sharpen the mind and spark ingenuity.
💡 Example Usage
大火封住了楼道，他急中生智，用湿棉被裹住身体冲了出去。
The fire had blocked the stairwell, but thinking quickly, he wrapped himself in a wet quilt and dashed to safety.
🏷️ Category
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➖ Opposite Idioms
🔤 Quick Facts
- Chinese: 急中生智
- Pinyin: jí zhōng shēng zhì
- Literal Translation: urgent, in, arise, wisdom
- Category: Wisdom
- Characters: 4