连滚带爬

1. Basic Information

• Pinyin: lián gǔn dài pá
• English Translation: To roll and crawl frantically, in a desperate and hurried manner
• Idiom Composition: 「连」（Even）＋「滚」（To roll）＋「带」（While doing）＋「爬」（To crawl）
• Meaning: Describes a frantic and clumsy state of rolling and crawling in panic. It expresses a flustered and desperate attempt to escape an emergency or difficult situation, or to hurriedly accomplish something. It often carries a slightly derogatory nuance.

2. Detailed Meaning and Nuances

「连滚带爬」 contains the following nuances:

• Panic: Indicates a state of extreme fluster and loss of composure.
• Urgency: Conveys a pressing sense of urgency to escape an imminent danger or situation.
• Desperation: Represents a frantic effort to overcome difficulties.
• Clumsiness: Implies an awkward or ungraceful state where appearance or dignity is disregarded.

3. Usage

「连滚带爬」 is mainly used in the following contexts:

• Escaping an emergency: Describes hastily fleeing from a dangerous situation.
  • Example:「他听到警报声后，连滚带爬地跑出了大楼。」
    （After hearing the alarm, he fled frantically out of the building.）
• Actions in difficult situations: Expresses struggling desperately to overcome difficulties or obstacles.
  • Example:「在泥泞的山路上，他们连滚带爬地前进。」
    （On the muddy mountain path, they advanced crawling and rolling.）
• Doing something in a hurry: Describes hurriedly doing something under time pressure.
  • Example:「由于时间紧迫，他连滚带爬地完成了报告。」
    （Pressed for time, he hurriedly finished the report.）

Additional Examples:

1. 那个小偷被发现后，连滚带爬地逃出了商店。
   （After being discovered, the thief fled frantically from the store.）
2. 面对突如其来的洪水，村民们连滚带爬地逃向高地。
   （Facing the sudden flood, the villagers scrambled desperately towards higher ground.）
3. 比赛中他不小心摔倒了，但又连滚带爬地站起来继续跑。
   （During the race, he accidentally fell but then got up clumsily and kept running.）
4. 听到这个坏消息，他连滚带爬地跑回家去。
   （Upon hearing the bad news, he hurried home in a panic.）
5. 为了赶上最后一班火车，他连滚带爬地冲进了车站。
   （To catch the last train, he rushed into the station frantically.）

4. Cultural Background and Notes

• In traditional Chinese culture, calmness and composure are highly valued, so frantic and clumsy behavior like that described by '连滚带爬' is often viewed negatively.
• This idiom often carries a derogatory or mocking nuance toward the subject's behavior, so it should be used with caution.
• It is generally not used in formal situations or when speaking to superiors.

5. Similar and Opposite Idioms

• Similar Idioms:
  • 手忙脚乱 (shǒu máng jiǎo luàn): To be flustered and confused.
  • 慌不择路 (huāng bù zé lù): To panic and not choose a proper path; a state of chaos.
• Opposite Idioms:
  • 从容不迫 (cóng róng bú pò): Calm and unhurried.
  • 泰然自若 (tài rán zì ruò): Composed and unperturbed as if nothing happened.

6. Summary

'连滚带爬' vividly depicts a person's frantic and desperate actions in emergencies or difficult situations. This expression often carries a derogatory nuance, so it should be used carefully depending on context and audience. However, it also powerfully conveys human vulnerability and the struggle to face adversity realistically. Mastering this idiom can enrich your Chinese expressive ability.