抱佛脚 — “To make a hasty, last-minute effort”

Q: What is the Chinese definition of 抱佛脚?

比喻平时没联系，临时慌忙恳求，后比喻平时没准备，临时慌忙应付

抱佛脚 is a Chinese idiom (chengyu) meaning “to make a hasty, last-minute effort”. To seek help or prepare only at the eleventh hour, often due to lack of prior preparation. Literally, “To clasp Buddha's feet”.

Frequency

抱佛脚 Pronunciation and Pinyin

抱佛脚 Character Breakdown

Stroke Order

Character	Pinyin	Strokes	Meaning
抱	bào	8	to embrace or hold
佛	fó	7	Buddha or Buddhism
脚	jiǎo	11	foot, leg, base

Example Sentence with 抱佛脚

他平时不好好学习，临近考试才想起来抱佛脚，肯定是来不及了。

He usually doesn't study diligently, only trying to cram at the last minute before exams; it's certainly too late.

Origin and Story of 抱佛脚

During the Song dynasty, Wang Anshi was chatting with a guest. When the conversation turned to Buddhist scriptures, he remarked with emotion, "投老欲依僧" (I wish to join monks in my old age), indicating his desire to associate with monks.

Another person present added, "急来抱佛脚" (When in urgent need, one embraces the Buddha's feet). Wang Anshi was displeased by this casual addition.

The person then explained that it was like a poetic pairing of an ancient verse with a common proverb, suggesting that if it were to form a couplet, it would become "老欲依僧，急来抱佛" (In old age, one wishes to join monks; when in urgent need, one embraces the Buddha), where 'head' and 'feet' create an antithesis.

This anecdote led to the idiom "抱佛脚" becoming a metaphor for seeking help or making a desperate effort only at the last minute.