临时抱佛脚...
Last minute cram...
Literalmente: To embrace the Buddha's feet only when in trouble.
Use it to describe frantic, last-minute efforts caused by procrastination in casual or work settings.
En 15 segundos
- Desperate last-minute cramming or preparation.
- Hugging the Buddha's feet only when trouble strikes.
- Commonly used for exams, deadlines, and presentations.
Significado
It describes waiting until the very last second to start a task or study for an exam. It’s that frantic, desperate energy when you realize you've procrastinated too long and need a miracle.
Ejemplos clave
3 de 6Talking to a classmate before a test
明天就要考试了，我还在临时抱佛脚。
The exam is tomorrow, and I'm still cramming at the last minute.
Advising a younger sibling
你平时要多努力，不要总是临时抱佛脚。
You should work hard usually, don't always wait until the last minute.
In a work meeting with close colleagues
这次会议准备得太晚了，只能临时抱佛脚了。
We prepared for this meeting too late; we can only wing it now.
Contexto cultural
The phrase originates from a story about ancient people who didn't believe in Buddhism until they faced execution. It reflects a traditional Chinese value placed on 'regular cultivation' rather than 'emergency measures.' Today, it is the most common way to describe academic cramming.
The 'Short' Version
You can just say `抱佛脚` (hug Buddha's feet) as a verb. For example: `去抱佛脚吧` (Go cram!).
Don't use it for success
If you use this phrase, you are admitting you were lazy. Don't use it if you want to sound like a disciplined professional.
En 15 segundos
- Desperate last-minute cramming or preparation.
- Hugging the Buddha's feet only when trouble strikes.
- Commonly used for exams, deadlines, and presentations.
What It Means
Imagine you never pray, but a disaster hits. Suddenly, you're hugging the Buddha’s feet for help. That is 临时抱佛脚. It means you didn't prepare at all. Now you are scrambling at the eleventh hour. It is the universal anthem of procrastinators everywhere.
How To Use It
You usually use it as a verb phrase. You can say you are doing it. You can also advise others not to do it. It often follows the word 平时 (usually) for contrast. For example: "Don't wait until the end to 抱佛脚."
When To Use It
Use it when talking about exams or big projects. It fits perfectly when a deadline is tomorrow morning. Use it when you're cramming vocabulary at the bus stop. It’s great for lighthearted self-deprecation with your friends. It also works when a colleague forgets a presentation until now.
When NOT To Use It
Avoid this in very serious, tragic situations. If someone is in a real emergency, don't joke about Buddha's feet. Don't use it for long-term, well-planned efforts. It implies a lack of discipline. If you worked hard, this phrase doesn't apply to you. Also, keep it away from very formal academic papers.
Cultural Background
This phrase comes from an ancient story about a convict. He only prayed for mercy when the executioner arrived. In Chinese culture, consistent effort is highly valued. The phrase mocks the idea of 'emergency piety.' It suggests that gods (and teachers) prefer steady devotion over panic. It has been popular for centuries across all of China.
Common Variations
The full version is 平时不烧香，临时抱佛脚. This means "No incense when fine, hug feet when in trouble." Most people just use the last four characters. Sometimes people just say 抱佛脚 for short. It's a very flexible and visual idiom.
Notas de uso
The phrase is primarily informal and carries a self-deprecating or slightly critical tone. It is most frequently used in the context of education and work deadlines.
The 'Short' Version
You can just say `抱佛脚` (hug Buddha's feet) as a verb. For example: `去抱佛脚吧` (Go cram!).
Don't use it for success
If you use this phrase, you are admitting you were lazy. Don't use it if you want to sound like a disciplined professional.
The Full Proverb
Impress locals by saying the full version: `平时不烧香，临时抱佛脚`. It sounds much more rhythmic and wise.
Ejemplos
6明天就要考试了，我还在临时抱佛脚。
The exam is tomorrow, and I'm still cramming at the last minute.
Very common usage among students.
你平时要多努力，不要总是临时抱佛脚。
You should work hard usually, don't always wait until the last minute.
Used as a piece of advice or a mild scolding.
这次会议准备得太晚了，只能临时抱佛脚了。
We prepared for this meeting too late; we can only wing it now.
Admits a lack of preparation in a relatable way.
后天去海边，我今天才开始健身，真是临时抱佛脚！
Going to the beach in two days and just started working out today. Talk about last minute!
Humorous use regarding physical fitness.
我知道临时抱佛脚没用，但我也没办法。
I know cramming at the last minute is useless, but I have no choice.
Expresses a sense of helplessness or regret.
对不起，这么晚打扰你，我这也是临时抱佛脚。
Sorry to bother you so late, I'm just scrambling at the last minute here.
Used to apologize for a late request.
Ponte a prueba
Choose the correct phrase to complete the sentence about a student who didn't study.
他平时不学习，考试前才___。
The context implies a contrast between not studying and then panicking before an exam.
Which word usually precedes the phrase to show a contrast in habits?
___不烧香，临时抱佛脚。
The full proverb is '平时不烧香，临时抱佛脚', where '平时' means 'usually' or 'in ordinary times'.
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Ayudas visuales
Formality of '临时抱佛脚'
Very common in internet culture.
抱个佛脚
Perfect for friends and family.
别抱佛脚了。
Acceptable in workplace banter.
我们正在临时抱佛脚。
Too casual for official speeches.
N/A
When to Hug the Buddha's Feet
Final Exams
Cramming all night
Job Interview
Reading company info in the elevator
First Date
Googling 'how to be charming' on the way
Cooking
Checking the recipe while the oil is smoking
Preguntas frecuentes
10 preguntasWhile it mentions Buddha, it is not considered a religious statement today. It is a secular idiom used by everyone, regardless of faith, to describe procrastination.
Only if you have a very relaxed relationship. In a formal setting, admitting you are 临时抱佛脚 might make you look unprepared or irresponsible.
Mostly, yes, because it implies you didn't work hard earlier. However, friends often use it to joke about their shared stress before a deadline.
The closest equivalents are 'to cram at the eleventh hour' or 'to wait until the last minute.' It captures that same sense of panic.
Yes! If a team only starts playing hard in the last 2 minutes of a game, you can say they are 临时抱佛脚.
You can say 我在临时抱佛脚 (Wǒ zài línshí bào fójiǎo). The 在 indicates you are currently in the middle of the frantic act.
Yes, you could use 临渴掘井 (lín kě jué jǐng), which literally means 'digging a well only when you are thirsty.' It is more literary.
Absolutely. If you buy a birthday gift at a gas station on the way to the party, that is a classic 临时抱佛脚 move.
No. It specifically refers to preparation for a known upcoming event that you neglected until the last second.
Yes, it is one of the most recognized idioms across all regions and age groups in the Chinese-speaking world.
Frases relacionadas
临渴掘井
Digging a well only when thirsty (too late).
亡羊补牢
Mending the fold after the sheep are gone.
磨刀不误砍柴工
Sharpening the axe won't delay the woodcutting (preparation is key).
先入为主
First impressions are strongest.
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