贪生怕死 greedy for life and afraid of death
Explanation
贪恋生命，害怕死亡。形容胆小怕事，缺乏勇气。
To crave life and fear death. Describes cowardice and lack of courage.
Origin Story
话说汉朝末年，梁王刘立骄横跋扈，不把朝廷放在眼里，甚至残杀朝廷官员。汉哀帝大怒，派人捉拿刘立。刘立得知消息后，吓得魂飞魄散，立刻脱下王冠，跪地求饶，声称自己并非有意对抗朝廷，只是因为贪生怕死，才迟迟不敢反抗。他甚至编造谎言，说自己身体抱恙，希望以此躲避追捕，并暗中祈祷朝廷能够大赦天下。然而，他的如意算盘落空了，最终难逃法律的制裁。这个故事，便是对“贪生怕死”这四个字最好的诠释。刘立的行为，充分展现了他缺乏担当和勇气，更说明了他身为诸侯王，却毫无责任感和担当。
In the late Han Dynasty, King Liu Li of Liang was arrogant and overbearing. He disregarded the imperial court and even murdered court officials. Emperor Ai of Han was furious and sent people to arrest Liu Li. Upon hearing the news, Liu Li was terrified. He immediately took off his crown, knelt down and begged for mercy, claiming that he had no intention of defying the court, but was merely too afraid of death to resist. He even fabricated lies, claiming to be ill, hoping to evade capture. He secretly prayed for a general pardon from the court. However, his wishful thinking was dashed, and he ultimately couldn't escape the legal consequences. This story serves as the best explanation for the four characters "tansheng pashi". Liu Li's actions perfectly demonstrate his lack of responsibility and courage, highlighting his irresponsibility and lack of accountability as a king.
Usage
常用来形容人胆小怕事，缺乏勇气。多用于贬义。
Often used to describe someone as cowardly and lacking courage. Mostly derogatory.
Examples
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他面对危险，表现得如此贪生怕死，令人失望。
tā miàn duì wēixiǎn, biǎoxiàn de rúcǐ tānshēngpàsǐ, lìng rén shīwàng。
He was so fearful in the face of danger, it was disappointing.
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战场上贪生怕死的人，是不会受到尊敬的。
zhàn chǎng shàng tānshēngpàsǐ de rén, shì bù huì shòudào zūnjìng de。
Soldiers who are cowardly on the battlefield are not respected.
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在关键时刻，他竟然贪生怕死，临阵脱逃！
zài guānjiàn shí kē, tā jìngrán tānshēngpàsǐ, lín zhèn tuōtáo！
At the crucial moment, he actually fled in fear!
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贪生怕死可不是大丈夫的行为！
tānshēngpàsǐ kě bù shì dàzhàngfū de xíngwéi！
Cowardice is not the way of a man!