Meaning and Usage
"走投无路" literally means "to have no road to walk or throw oneself onto," describing a situation where someone is completely trapped or has no options left. It is often used to express desperation or being at a dead end in life, work, or negotiations.
Common Contexts
This phrase is frequently used in serious contexts such as financial troubles, legal issues, or critical negotiations where all alternatives have been exhausted.
Collocations and Patterns
- 走投无路 + 只好/只能 + Verb: emphasizes having no choice but to do something.
- 走投无路 + 决定/选择: indicates making a decision when trapped.
Nuance and Register
The phrase carries a strong emotional weight and is typically used in formal or literary contexts rather than casual speech. It conveys a sense of helplessness and urgency.
Avoiding Confusion
Do not confuse "走投无路" with similar phrases like "走投无门"; while both express being trapped, "走投无路" emphasizes having no way out, often metaphorical, whereas "走投无门" can be more literal about having no door or entrance.