抱佛脚 bào fó jiǎo

DEFINITIONS

  1. lit. to clasp the Buddha's feet (without ever having burned incense) (idiom); fig. to profess devotion only when in trouble
  2. panic measures in place of timely preparation

CHARACTERS

抱 bào
HSK 4
embrace, hold in arms, enfold
佛 fó
HSK 5
Buddha; of Buddhism; merciful person; Buddhist image; the dead (Jap.)
脚 jiǎo
HSK 3
leg, foot; base, leg, foundation