Definitions

1. 1. lit. to clasp the Buddha's feet when danger arises (idiom); fig. to profess devotion only when in trouble
2. 2. doing things at the last minute
3. 3. to make a hasty last-minute effort (often refers to cramming for exams)

Components

• 平时 píng shí – ordinarily
• 不 bù – (negative prefix)
• 烧香 shāo xiāng – to burn incense
• 临时抱佛脚 lín shí bào fó jiǎo – lit. to clasp the Buddha's feet when danger arises (idiom)