# 危如累卵

wēi rú lěi luǎn

Be in an extremely precarious state

## Meaning & wording

**Literally:** Dangerous as eggs stacked together

**Register:** Serious · literary

[Change & possibility](https://chinese-idioms.yudis.dev/idioms/topics/change)

## When to use it

Describe imminent collapse or failure.

Stronger than an ordinary risk.

## Understanding the expression

Eggs stacked one upon another have little stability, and one small movement can break the whole pile. The expression describes a situation close to collapse, with weak support and little room for error. Modern use concerns a crisis in finance, organization, or safety. It is dramatic rather than a neutral risk estimate. The surrounding details should show what makes the situation fragile and what action could reduce the danger.

## Examples

资金链已危如累卵。

### Traditional Chinese

資金鍊已危如累卵。

zī jīn liàn yǐ wēi rú lěi luǎn 。

The funding chain is extremely precarious.

这座旧桥危如累卵。

### Traditional Chinese

這座舊橋危如累卵。

zhè zuò jiù qiáo wēi rú lěi luǎn 。

This old bridge is dangerously unstable.

联盟内部矛盾重重，危如累卵。

### Traditional Chinese

聯盟內部矛盾重重，危如累卵。

lián méng nèi bù máo dùn chóng chóng ， wēi rú lěi luǎn 。

Internal conflicts leave the alliance near collapse.

抢修让危如累卵的局面得到缓解。

### Traditional Chinese

搶修讓危如累卵的局面得到緩解。

qiǎng xiū ràng wēi rú lěi luǎn de jú miàn dé dào huǎn jiě 。

Emergency repairs eased the precarious situation.

## Sources & reference checks

Original explanations and examples from Chinese Idioms Almanac. Source-checked October 6, 2026.

- [CC-CEDICT · forms & pronunciation](https://www.mdbg.net/chinese/dictionary?page=worddict&wdqb=%E5%8D%B1%E5%A6%82%E7%B4%AF%E5%8D%B5)

- [Ministry of Education · 成語典](https://dict.idioms.moe.edu.tw/idiomView.jsp?ID=260&webMd=1&la=0)

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