Jiàn zài xián shàng, bùdé bù fā.

箭在弦上, 不得不發。

Lit [Once the] arrow is (fitted) on the bow string, one cannot but shoot [it].

Fig Once things have reached a certain point, there is no turning back. The only way to go is forward.

Note [Cf. R3K, chap. 32; note: jiànzàixiánshàng is a set phrase meaning “everything is ready and there can be no turning back”; see also kāigōng, méiyǒu below.]

Topics ACTION COMMITMENT jiànzàixiánshàng R3K