临阵退缩 in English lin2 zhen4 tui4 suo1 Meaning

Meanings

  • to shrink back as the time for battle approaches (idiomatic expression)
  • to get cold feet

Simplified Characters

临 阵 退 缩

Traditional Characters

臨 陣 退 縮

Pinyin

lin2 zhen4 tui4 suo1

Literal

Literal explanation, with pronunciation and meaning of each character.

临lin2to face 阵zhen4disposition of troops 退tui4to retreat 缩suo1to withdraw