当机立断
Dāng jī lì duàn
Literal Meaning: “To decide/cut off at the moment of opportunity”
Figurative Meaning: To make prompt decisions when the situation demands it; to be decisive and take immediate action when necessary; to seize the moment and make a firm decision without hesitation or delay.
This idiom emphasizes the importance of decisive action at critical moments. It’s often used to describe someone who can quickly assess a situation and make firm decisions without wavering, especially when quick action is needed.
Usage Example: 关键时刻，她当机立断投资新技术，公司因此腾飞。
Hanyu Pinyin: Guānjiàn shíkè, tā dāng jī lì duàn tóuzī xīn jìshù, gōngsī yīncǐ téngfēi.
Meaning: At the crucial moment, she decisively invested in new technology, propelling the company to success.
Bible Verse: Esther 4:14b And who knows whether you have not come to the kingdom for such a time as this?”
This verse underscores Esther’s pivotal moment of decision, where she had to act decisively to save her people. It illustrates the importance of making prompt choices during crucial times. Esther’s decisive action at the right moment was essential for her people’s survival.
Personal Reflection: Today in Singapore, we are going to the polls for our General Elections. Every vote counts, and we need to make the right choice in electing our members of parliament.
While Queen Esther’s decision to approach the King carries more weight than our individual voting choices, we must still take our democracy seriously.
