掉链子

• 拼音: diào liàn zǐ
• 汉字拆解: 掉 (fall) + 链子 (chain) -> the key mechanism fails when needed.

含义

To mess up, fail, or become unreliable at a crucial moment. It implies someone or something should have worked but did not.

掉链子 is often used for teammates, tools, plans, or oneself when a key step fails. It sounds casual and mildly critical, not usually severe.

例句

1. 关键时刻别掉链子，大家都靠你。
2. 网络又掉链子，会议差点开不了。
3. 他平时很稳，今天突然掉链子。

用法指南

语境: work-casual, school, games

语气: frustrated, teasing

正确说法

• 明天汇报别掉链子。（Do not mess up tomorrow's presentation.）
• 设备关键时刻掉链子了。（The equipment failed at the key moment.）

错误说法

• 在正式绩效文件里直接说员工掉链子。（Use more neutral wording in formal records.）

常见错误

• Using it for a small flaw with no consequence; it fits important moments best.

起源与历史

From a bicycle or machine chain falling off, causing motion to stop.

文化背景

时代: Longstanding colloquial expression, common online today

世代: All ages, especially casual speech

社会背景: Mainstream

地区说明: Widely understood across Mainland China.