变本加厉
biàn běn jiā lì
Intensifying negative behavior · trad. 變本加厲
Describes a situation or behavior that has become significantly worse or more extreme than it was previously. It indicates an intensification of negative aspects, often implying a deterioration.
What does 变本加厉 (biàn běn jiā lì) mean?
变本加厉 (biàn běn jiā lì) means "intensifying negative behavior" in English. Word for word, it breaks down as "change the original, add severity."
Character by character
- 变 biàn change, become
- 本 běn original, basis
- 加 jiā add, increase
- 厉 lì severe, harsh
When to use it
Primarily used to describe negative developments, such as bad habits, problems, or malicious actions. It is unsuitable for positive changes or improvements.
Example
事隔二年，他的坏习惯不但没有改，反而变本加厉。
Shìgé èrnián, tā de huàixíguàn búdàn méiyǒu gǎi, fǎnér biàn běn jiā lì.
Two years later, his bad habits not only hadn't improved, but actually got worse.
Pro tip: Always applies to something negative that is escalating, never to something positive becoming more intense.
Related idioms
百年一遇 · Extreme rarity半信半疑 · State of doubt不打自招 · Involuntary confession
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