坐以待毙 sit and wait for death
Explanation
形容人面对危险或困境时，消极等待，不采取任何措施，最终导致失败或死亡。体现出一种消极、被动的人生态度。
Describes a person who passively waits in a dangerous or difficult situation without taking any action, ultimately leading to failure or death. It reflects a negative and passive attitude towards life.
Origin Story
话说三国时期，蜀国大将诸葛亮北伐中原，屡战屡败，损兵折将，形势危急。面对强大的魏军，有人建议诸葛亮暂时收兵，休养生息，积蓄力量，再图进取。但也有的将领认为应该继续进攻，否则就会坐以待毙。诸葛亮深思熟虑后，采纳了前者的建议，果断撤兵，保存实力，最终使得蜀国得以延续。这个故事告诉我们，在逆境中，要冷静分析形势，采取有效的策略，而不是坐以待毙。
During the Three Kingdoms period in China, Zhuge Liang, a general of the Shu Kingdom, led several northern expeditions but suffered repeated defeats, losing many soldiers. The situation was critical. Some suggested that Zhuge Liang should temporarily withdraw his troops to rest and recover, gathering strength before further advancement. However, some generals believed that they should continue the offensive; otherwise, they would sit idly and wait for death. After careful consideration, Zhuge Liang adopted the former's suggestion, decisively withdrawing his troops to preserve his strength. This ultimately allowed the Shu Kingdom to continue. This story tells us that in adversity, we must calmly analyze the situation and adopt effective strategies instead of passively waiting.
Usage
常用作谓语、宾语、定语；形容在困境中不积极想办法，被动等待。
Often used as predicate, object, and attributive; describing being passive and waiting in difficult situations without taking active measures.
Examples
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面对困境，我们不能坐以待毙，而要积极寻求解决办法。
miàn duì kùnjìng, wǒmen bùnéng zuò yǐ dài bì, ér yào jījí xúnqiú jiějué bànfǎ
In the face of adversity, we cannot sit idly by and wait for death; we must actively seek solutions.
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创业初期，面对重重困难，他们并没有坐以待毙，而是不断努力，最终取得了成功。
chuàngyè chūqī, miàn duì chóng chóng kùnnan, tāmen bìng méiyǒu zuò yǐ dài bì, ér shì bùduàn nǔlì, zuìzhōng qǔdé le chénggōng
In the early days of their business, they did not sit idly by and wait for death but worked hard, ultimately achieving success.
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敌人来势汹汹，我们决不能坐以待毙，必须奋起反抗！
dírén láishì xióngxiōng, wǒmen jué bùnéng zuò yǐ dài bì, bìxū fèn qǐ fǎnkàng
The enemy is approaching menacingly, we must not sit idly by and wait for death; we must fight back!