cùn寸inchbù步stepbù不notlí离leave
Not to leave for even an inch; to stay very close.
Literal meaning
inch (寸) — step (步) — not (不) — leave (离)
Origin
A classical four-character phrase.
Examples
Tā他shēng生bìng病de的shí时hou候,tā他de的qī妻zi子cùn寸bù步bù不lí离de地zhào照gù顾tā他。
When he was sick, his wife stayed by his side and took care of him.
Hái孩zi子men们cùn寸bù步bù不lí离de地gēn跟zhe着tā他men们de的mā妈mā妈。
The children followed their mother closely.
Usage & nuances
Describes being very close to someone or something, often due to affection or protectiveness.
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