下不为例

下不為例

xiàbù-wéilì

idiom #15,374

Meanings

1 not to be taken as a precedent
2 just this once
3 won't be tolerated next time

Characters

to be taken as; to serve as

example; precedent

Examples

HSK 4

老师说迟到可以原谅，但下不为例。

Lǎoshī shuō chídào kěyǐ yuánliàng, dàn xiàbù-wéilì.

The teacher said being late can be forgiven, but not next time.

HSK 6

这次就算了，下不为例。

Zhècì jiùsuàn le, xiàbù-wéilì.

I'll let it go this time, but don't let it happen again.

Tips

grammar

Literally: 'next (time) not taken as example/precedent'. Used as a standalone clause at the end of a sentence, often after forgiving someone. It carries authority - typically said by someone in a position of power.

Stroke Order

下 xià

不 bù

为 wéi

例 lì