唇亡齿寒

chún wáng chǐ hán

if one falls, the other is exposed

Character by character

唇chún
lips

亡wáng
gone

齿chǐ
teeth

寒hán
cold

这两家企业在同一条供应链上，唇亡齿寒。

The two firms are on the same supply chain; if one falls the other is exposed.

Tone: neutral.

Said of close neighbours and allies.

Learn this in Lesson 107 · HSK 7–9: 中美关系与全球化 (China, America and globalisation)

A dialogue, a reading, word cards with audio and a drill that uses it, in Learn Chinese with Bao. The first lessons of every level are free.