Definitions

1. 1. to sound out the difficulties and retreat to avoid defeat (idiom)
2. 2. fig. to back out of an awkward situation
3. 3. to get out on finding out what it's really like
4. 4. retreat in the face of difficulties or overwhelming odds

Components

• 知 zhī – to know
• 难 nán – difficult (to...)
• 而 ér – and
• 退 tuì – to retreat