摇摇欲坠

1. Basic Information

• Pinyin: yáo yáo yù zhuì
• English Translation: Tottering and on the verge of collapse
• Idiom Composition: 「摇摇」（Swaying, shaking, or wavering back and forth.）＋「欲」（About to; on the verge of; desiring to.）＋「坠」（To fall, drop, or crash down.）
• Meaning: Literally describes an object shaking violently and being about to fall. Figuratively, it refers to a situation, organization, or regime that is extremely unstable and on the brink of collapse.

2. Detailed Meaning and Nuances

「摇摇欲坠」 contains the following nuances:

• Physical Instability: The idiom provides a realistic description of objects like rocks, signs, or old buildings that have lost their balance and are about to fall or crash down.
• Abstract Crisis: It is frequently used as a metaphor for economies, political powers, or personal authority that has become weak and whose continued existence is in doubt.

3. Usage

「摇摇欲坠」 is mainly used in the following contexts:

• Physical Structures and Objects: Used to describe buildings, signs, or trees that have become dangerous due to age, storms, or lack of maintenance.
  • Example:「那座古塔年久失修，在大风中显得摇摇欲坠。」
    （That ancient pagoda has been out of repair for years and looks on the verge of collapse in the strong wind.）
• Institutional or Political Crisis: Used in analytical or critical contexts to describe companies facing bankruptcy or governments losing public support.
  • Example:「由于资金链断裂，这家曾经辉煌的公司如今已是摇摇欲坠。」
    （Due to a break in the capital chain, this once-brilliant company is now tottering on the brink of collapse.）

Additional Examples:

1. 暴风雨过后，路边的广告牌摇摇欲坠，十分危险。
   （After the storm, the roadside billboard was shaking and about to fall, which was very dangerous.）
2. 敌军的防线在我军的猛攻下已经摇摇欲坠。
   （Under the fierce onslaught of our army, the enemy's defense line is already on the verge of crumbling.）
3. 看着那个醉汉摇摇欲坠的样子，真让人担心他会摔倒。
   （Watching that drunkard tottering as if about to fall makes me really worried he will trip.）
4. 这个旧政权早已失去了民心，处于摇摇欲坠之中。
   （This old regime lost the people's support long ago and is now on the brink of collapse.）

4. Cultural Background and Notes

• The idiom appears in Chapter 104 of the Ming Dynasty novel Romance of the Three Kingdoms (三国演义). It was used to describe a large star appearing to fall just before the death of the great strategist Zhuge Liang (诸葛亮).
• In terms of nuance, 摇摇欲坠 (yáo yáo yù zhuì) is more visually descriptive than the general word for 'dangerous' (危险, wēixiǎn). It emphasizes a lack of stability and the feeling that a structure can no longer support itself.

5. Similar and Opposite Idioms

• Similar Idioms:
  • 岌岌可危 (jí jí kě wēi): In a very precarious state; in imminent danger.
  • 风雨飘摇 (fēng yǔ piāo yáo): Swaying in the wind and rain; used to describe a volatile and unstable situation.
  • 千钧一发 (qiān jūn yī fà): A situation of great peril or imminent crisis.link
  • 危机四伏 (wēi jī sì fú): Dangers lurk on all sides.link
• Opposite Idioms:
  • 稳如泰山 (wěn rú tài shān): As stable as Mount Tai (泰山); rock-solid and unshakable.
  • 根深蒂固 (gēn shēn dì gù): Deep-rooted and firm; having a solid foundation that cannot be shaken.link
  • 坚韧不拔 (jiān rèn bù bá): To be firm and indomitable.link

6. Summary

摇摇欲坠 (yáo yáo yù zhuì) is a vivid idiom used to describe a state of extreme instability. Whether it is a physical structure swaying in the wind or a political regime losing its grip on power, the phrase emphasizes a critical moment just before a total downfall. It conveys a sense of urgency and imminent danger by highlighting that the subject has lost its balance or support.