zhēng争competefēn分minuteduó夺seizemiǎo秒second
to fight for every minute and second; to race against time
Literal meaning
compete (争) — minute (分) — seize (夺) — second (秒)
Origin
A classical four-character phrase emphasizing the importance of time.
Examples
Zài在gāo高kǎo考qián前，xué学sheng生men们dōu都zài在zhēng争fēn分duó夺miǎo秒de地fù复xí习。
Before the college entrance exam, students are racing against time to review.
Jiù救yuán援rén人yuán员zhēng争fēn分duó夺miǎo秒de地qiǎng抢jiù救shāng伤yuán员。
Rescuers are racing against time to rescue the injured.
Usage & nuances
Highlights the urgency and importance of making the most of every moment.
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