风口浪尖 on the horns of a dilemma
Explanation
比喻处境非常危险，斗争非常激烈。
Refers to an extremely dangerous situation with intense conflicts.
Origin Story
话说唐朝时期，有个名叫李白的诗人，他怀揣着满腔抱负，想要在朝廷上建功立业，实现自己的理想。然而，当时的朝堂之上，党派斗争异常激烈，各种流言蜚语满天飞舞，甚至暗杀事件时有发生。李白就像一只小舟，在风口浪尖上颠簸，稍有不慎，便会被无情的巨浪吞噬。他经历了政治上的起起伏伏，饱受了人心的险恶与世态的炎凉。但他始终没有放弃自己的理想，依然坚持创作，用他的诗歌，记录着那个时代的动荡与不安。最终，他的才华与才情被世人认可，成为了千古流芳的诗仙。
During the Tang Dynasty, there was a poet named Li Bai who harbored great aspirations to serve at court and achieve his ideals. However, the court at that time was rife with fierce factional struggles, rumors, and even assassinations. Li Bai, like a small boat, tossed and turned in the tempestuous waters, constantly threatened with being swallowed by merciless waves. He experienced the rise and fall of power, feeling the coldness of the world and the wickedness of human nature. Yet, he never gave up his ideals and continued his poetry, documenting the unrest and instability of that era. His talent and passion were finally recognised, and he became an immortal poet.
Usage
多用于书面语，比喻斗争激烈，情况危急的场合。
Mostly used in written language; it is used to describe intense struggles and dangerous situations.
Examples
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这场改革，正处于风口浪尖上，稍有不慎就会失败。
zhe chang gaige, zheng chu yu fengkou langjian shang, shao you bushen jiu hui shibai.
This reform is at a critical juncture; the slightest misstep could lead to failure.
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面对风口浪尖的质疑，他始终保持着冷静的头脑。
mian dui fengkou langjian de zhiyi, ta shizhong baochi zhe lengjing de tounao
In the face of fierce criticism, he maintained a cool head.