乘虛而入 chéng xū ér rù

to attack when the enemy is weak

Word data

HSK Not in HSK
Frequency Unknown

Definitions

  1. 1. to enter by exploiting a weak spot (idiom); to take advantage of a lapse

Characters

Character Meaning
乘 chéng HSK 4
to ride; to make use of; to take advantage of
虛 xū
false; empty or unoccupied; (of health) weak
而 ér HSK 3
and; but (not); (indicates contrast)
入 rù HSK 4
to enter; to go into; to join