指日可待

zhǐrì-kědài

idiom #33,746

Meanings

1 just around the corner (idiom)
2 can be expected soon
3 imminent; a day can be pointed to for it

Characters

to wait; expect

Examples

HSK 4

项目成功指日可待。

Xiàngmù chénggōng zhǐrìkědài.

The project's success is just around the corner.

HSK 6

他的康复指日可待。

Tā de kāngfù zhǐrìkědài.

His recovery is in sight.

HSK 7-9

中国航天事业的突破指日可待。

Zhōngguó hángtiān shìyè de tūpò zhǐrìkědài.

A breakthrough in China's space program is imminent.

Tips

history

From Qing-dynasty novel 《说岳全传》 chapter 31, of Emperor Gaozong's Southern Song restoration: 用贤任能，中兴指日可待 - with worthy men employed, the revival could be counted on the fingers of a hand. The idiom has kept that "close enough to mark a date for it" meaning.

register

Positive, formal - used for desired outcomes (success, recovery, reunification, breakthroughs). Natural in speeches, news, and formal writing. Not used for mundane upcoming events; reserve it for something meaningful.

Stroke Order

指 zhǐ

日 rì

可 kě

待 dài