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當機立斷

당기입단 當機立斷

To seize the right moment and take decisive action without hesitation.

Chinese Idiom 4-character idiom Learn with Music
Quick Answer

당기입단 (當機立斷) means "To seize the right moment and take decisive action without hesitation.". This idiom originates from the 'Biography of Guo Sibun' in the Old Book of Tang (Jiu Tangshu). It re

1 Meaning

당기입단 (當機立斷) means “To seize the right moment and take decisive action without hesitation.”.

Dang-gi-ip-dan (當機立斷) describes the act of making a firm decision the moment an opportunity presents itself. It emphasizes the courage and determination required to capture a fleeting chance rather than letting it slip away through indecision.

2 Examples

1

A startup founder has a breakthrough idea but is hesitant to launch due to unpredictable market conditions.

Instead of waiting for the 'perfect' market, they launch a beta version immediately to test the potential.

2

A critical error is discovered midway through a long-term project that has already consumed significant resources.

The leader decides to halt and overhaul the project immediately to prevent greater long-term damage, despite the sunk costs.

3

A person wants to express their true feelings to someone special but fears the possibility of rejection.

They choose to be honest and confess their feelings in the moment rather than living with the 'what if.'

Which situation fits this idiom?

Pick the everyday scene where “당기입단” fits best.

3 Origin

This idiom originates from the 'Biography of Guo Sibun' in the Old Book of Tang (Jiu Tangshu). It refers to a mindset where, upon encountering a critical juncture or a decisive opportunity (當機), one immediately judges the situation and acts (立斷) instead of stalling through hesitation. In modern contexts, this spirit is often reflected in phrases like 'don't think twice' or 'trust your gut.' It suggests that in an era of uncertainty, relying on one's intuition and having the resolve to commit to a path is the ultimate key to success and a life without regrets.

4 Key Lessons

1

Opportunity favors the prepared, but it is only captured by those bold enough to act immediately.

2

Overthinking often leads to paralysis; sometimes, a swift choice based on intuition is the most effective path.

3

Time is a non-renewable resource, making it essential to focus on the power of the present choice.

5 English Expression

English Vocabulary

Realize

깨닫다, 알아차리다

"I didn't realize how late it was until the sun went down."

Rewind

되감다, (시간을) 되돌리다

"If I could rewind time, I would change my decision."

Regret

후회하다, 후회

"I have no regrets about the way I spent my youth."

Spinning

회전하는, 돌고 있는

"My head is spinning from all this new information."

🔗 Same series — watch a related Short Related

역지사지 (易地思之) — 처지를 바꾸어 생각하면 비로소 보이는 것들.
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6 Learn with Music

당기입단 track image

당기입단 Track

Carpe Diem (當機立斷)

지금이 바로 그 순간”임을 알아차리자마자 망설임 없이 움직여 기회를 현실로 만드는 ‘당기입단(當機立斷)’의 태도를 그대로 담아낸다

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당기입단

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