Shǐ zài xián shàng, bùdé bù fā.

矢在弦上, 不得不發。

Lit [Once] the arrow is [fitted] to the bowstring, [it] cannot but be shot.

Fig Some things, once started, can't be stopped. “The die is cast.”

Note [Note: shǐzàixiánshàng is used as a set phrase meaning “imminent; unstoppable”; see also shēng mǐ chéngle above.]

Topics ACTIONS COMMITMENT DECISIONS FINALITY shǐzàixiánshàng