急中生智 jízhōng-shēngzhì quick witted in an emergency
quick witted in an emergency; able to react resourcefully
How to remember 急中生智: 急 urgent + 中 middle + 生 life + 智 wisdom = quick witted in an emergency.
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How it is used
- To hit on a clever idea in a crisis - 他急中生智，用外套灭了火 (tā jízhōng-shēngzhì, yòng wàitào miè le huǒ) thinking fast in the emergency, he put out the fire with his coat.
- Praises quick resourcefulness under pressure; the wit arises because of the urgency.
- Narrative register; typically precedes the clever action taken.