寸步不让
cùn bù bù ràng
not to yield an inch
Character by character
寸cùn
inch
inch
步bù
step
step
不bù
not
not
让ràng
yield
yield
Example
在孩子的安全问题上，她对谁都寸步不让。
Where her child’s safety is concerned, she will not give an inch to anybody.
Tone: neutral.
Usage and origin
Used of negotiations, borders, rights and principles: praise when someone defends what is right, criticism when it means stubbornness (双方寸步不让，谈判破裂). Do not confuse it with 寸步难行, “unable to move a step”.
Learn this in Lesson 191 · HSK 7–9: 光伏反倾销案 (The solar panel dumping case)
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.
Open the lesson →