抱佛脚

Traditional form:

抱佛腳

Pinyin (reading):

bàofójiǎo

Definitions:

• (fig.) to scramble to make up for a lack of preparation; to make a frantic, last-ditch effort; to cram for an exam (cf. 平時不燒香，臨時抱佛腳／平时不烧香，临时抱佛脚 (píngshíbùshāoxiāng,línshíbàofójiǎo))

Characters:

• 抱 - to embrace, to hold in one's arms; to enfold
• 佛 - Buddha; Buddhist
• 脚 - leg, foot; foundation, base

Traditional characters:

• 抱 - to embrace, to hold in one's arms; to enfold
• 佛 - Buddha; Buddhist
• 腳 - leg, foot; foundation, base