兰摧玉折 lán cuī yù zhé

DEFINITIONS

  1. premature death of a budding talent
  2. those whom the Gods love die young

CHARACTERS

兰 lán orchid; elegant, graceful
摧 cuī
HSK 6
destroy, break, injure
玉 yù
HSK 5
jade, precious stone, gem
折 zhé
HSK 4
break off, snap; bend