得不偿失 dé bù cháng shī

the gains do not make up for the losses (idiom)

Word data

HSK 6
Frequency 35661st word

Definitions

  1. 1. the gains do not make up for the losses (idiom)

Characters

Character Meaning
link verb to result or degree; to get; must
not; no; (negative prefix)
to repay; to compensate for; to recompense
to lose; to miss; to fail