引而不发 yǐn ér bù fā

poised to act but holding back

Word data

HSK Not in HSK
Frequency Unknown

Definitions

  1. 1. to pull the bow without shooting (idiom from Mencius); ready and waiting for action
  2. 2. to go through the motions
  3. 3. a trial run
  4. 4. to practice

Characters

Character Meaning
引 yǐn HSK 4
to lead; to guide; to attract
而 ér HSK 3
and; but (not); (indicates contrast)
不 bù HSK 1
not; no; (negative prefix)
发 fā HSK 3
to send out; to issue; to develop