📖 Meaning
This idiom describes a situation where one is hindered or constrained by unfavorable circumstances, making it difficult to proceed with a plan or action. It is a variant of the more common form '形格势禁'. The emphasis is on external conditions acting as obstacles rather than internal inability.
📜 Origin Story
This idiom is a variant of '形格势禁,' a classical expression describing how circumstances can obstruct action. The term appears in various late imperial texts where writers discussed the frustration of being unable to carry out plans due to external constraints. The characters 劫 (to constrain) and 禁 (to restrict) both emphasize the restrictive force of the surrounding situation. No single definitive origin story is associated with this specific variant form.
💡 Example Usage
面对如此严峻的经济形势，企业的扩张计划形劫势禁，不得不暂时搁置。
Faced with such a severe economic situation, the company's expansion plans were constrained by circumstances and had to be temporarily shelved.
🏷️ Category
➕ Similar Idioms
➖ Opposite Idioms
🔤 Quick Facts
- Chinese: 形劫势禁
- Pinyin: xíng jié shì jìn
- Literal Translation: form, constrained, circumstances, restricted
- Category: Condition
- Characters: 4