# 指日可待

zhǐ rì kě dài

Be expected very soon

## Meaning & wording

**Literally:** The day can be pointed to and awaited

**Register:** Standard · expressive

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

## When to use it

Express confidence that a goal is near.

Stronger than a vague hope.

## Understanding the expression

The desired day seems close enough that one could identify it rather than merely imagine a distant future. The expression describes an outcome believed to be approaching soon, often after visible progress. It is optimistic and confident. That confidence should have a basis such as completed preparations or a clear trend. A goal may be worthwhile without being imminent, so the phrase can mislead if used when major uncertainties or unfinished work remain.

## Examples

桥梁接近完工，通车指日可待。

### Traditional Chinese

橋梁接近完工，通車指日可待。

qiáo liáng jiē jìn wán gōng ， tōng chē zhǐ rì kě dài 。

The bridge is nearly finished, so opening is expected soon.

资料已齐，出版指日可待。

### Traditional Chinese

資料已齊，出版指日可待。

zī liào yǐ qí ， chū bǎn zhǐ rì kě dài 。

The materials are complete, so publication should be soon.

她恢复顺利，出院指日可待。

### Traditional Chinese

她恢復順利，出院指日可待。

tā huī fù shùn lì ， chū yuàn zhǐ rì kě dài 。

Her recovery is going well, so discharge is expected soon.

手续进入最后一步，获批指日可待。

### Traditional Chinese

手續進入最後一步，獲批指日可待。

shǒu xù jìn rù zuì hòu yí bù ， huò pī zhǐ rì kě dài 。

The process has reached its final step, so approval should be near.

## 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=%E6%8C%87%E6%97%A5%E5%8F%AF%E5%BE%85)

- [Ministry of Education · 成語典](https://dict.idioms.moe.edu.tw/idiomView.jsp?ID=1028&webMd=1&la=0)

## Keep exploring

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