📖 Meaning
Matters should be handled promptly without delay. It emphasizes the urgency of taking action quickly rather than procrastinating. Commonly used to urge swift decision-making or execution.
📜 Origin Story
The phrase originates from Yuan dynasty playwright Jia Zhongming's work 'Xiao Shulan' (《萧淑兰》), where a character urges that matters should not be delayed and preparations must be made swiftly. It reflects the traditional Chinese wisdom of seizing the right moment. The idiom has since become a common exhortation to act without hesitation.
💡 Example Usage
天气预报说今晚有暴雨，事不宜迟，我们赶紧把阳台上的衣服收进来吧。
The forecast says heavy rain tonight, so we shouldn't delay—let's bring in the laundry from the balcony right now.
🏷️ Category
➕ Similar Idioms
➖ Opposite Idioms
🔤 Quick Facts
- Chinese: 事不宜迟
- Pinyin: shì bù yí chí
- Literal Translation: matter, not, suitable, to delay
- Category: Action
- Characters: 4