悬崖勒马 Rein in at the cliff
Explanation
比喻在危险的边缘及时醒悟回头。
It means to come to one's senses and turn back at the edge of danger.
Origin Story
话说唐朝时期，有一位年轻的书生名叫李白，他文采出众，才华横溢，但却性格轻狂，目中无人。一日，他与朋友一同游山玩水，来到一处悬崖峭壁之前。李白豪情万丈，竟然策马奔腾，直奔悬崖而去。朋友见状，吓得魂飞魄散，急忙大喊：“李兄，危险！快勒马！”李白却置若罔闻，继续向前。眼看就要坠入万丈深渊之时，他忽然想起父母的教诲，想起自己的前程，心中警觉，猛地勒紧缰绳，马匹才堪堪停下。惊魂未定的李白，这才意识到自己险些丧命，从此以后，他变得成熟稳重，再也不像以前那样轻狂鲁莽了。
In the Tang Dynasty, there was a young scholar named Li Bai, known for his outstanding literary talent but also for his arrogant and reckless nature. One day, while traveling with friends, he came to a steep cliff. Full of confidence, Li Bai spurred his horse towards the precipice. His friends, terrified, cried out, "Brother Li, danger! Stop the horse!" But Li Bai ignored them and rode on. Just as he was about to plunge into the abyss, he suddenly remembered his parents' teachings and his own future. Startled, he pulled on the reins, and the horse stopped just in time. Shaken by the near-death experience, Li Bai realized his recklessness and became a more mature and responsible person.
Usage
常用于劝诫人们要谨慎小心，不要走到危险的边缘。
It's often used to warn people to be cautious and not to get to the edge of danger.
Examples
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他悬崖勒马，及时止损，避免了更大的损失。
tā xuányá lè mǎ, jíshí zhǐsǔn, bìmiǎn le gèng dà de sǔnshī
He pulled back from the brink, stopping his losses and avoiding greater ones.
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年轻人，要悬崖勒马，不要再走错路了！
niánqīng rén, yào xuányá lè mǎ, bùyào zài zǒucuò lù le！
Young people, you must rein in your horses at the cliff, don't go down the wrong path again!