临时抱佛脚

临时抱佛脚

Literally means:

embrace the feet of Buddha in times of need

Actually means:

Abbreviation for 平时不烧香, 临时抱佛脚. Also as 临急抱佛脚. It originally means that it is unwise to refrain from burning joss sticks in ordinary times but only embrace the feet of Buddha in times of need.

It figuratively means that one makes no active preparation at usual times and only deals with impending situations hastily. It also means that one snubs others or does not socialize with them and only begs for help from them in times of need. It usually implies coping with the unexpected situation hastily. Derogatory.

“平时不烧香，临时抱佛脚”的简略形式。也说“临急抱佛脚”。原指平时不给菩萨或佛祖烧香，等到有急难时才抱着佛祖的脚求救。

比喻平时不积极作准备，等到事到临头才急忙应付。也指平时怠慢人家或跟人家不来往，等到有事才求人家帮忙。多含有遇事临时应付的意味。具有贬义色彩。