The arrow is on the bowstring; implying that one is compelled by circumstances to take action; to be in a situation where one must proceed and cannot turn back.
Era:
Ancient
Frequency:
Synonym:
Story:
Towards the end of the Eastern Han Dynasty, Yuan Shao, preparing to attack Cao Cao, ordered Chen Lin to write a proclamation titled "Proclamation against Yu Province for Yuan Shao." This document listed Cao Cao's alleged crimes and fiercely insulted his ancestors.
After Yuan Shao was defeated by Cao Cao in the Battle of Guandu, Chen Lin seized the opportunity to defect to Cao Cao.
Cao Cao questioned Chen Lin about why he wrote such a harsh proclamation. Chen Lin replied that at the time, it was like 'an arrow on the bowstring'; he was compelled by Yuan Shao to write it.