当头棒喝
dāng
tóu
bàng
hè

Definitions

  1. 1. give a timely warning
  2. 2. give sharp advice for one to wake up from error

Components

  • 当头 dāng tóu – coming right into one's face
  • 棒喝 bàng hè – practice in which a novice monk is shouted at or hit with a stick with the purpose of bringing about instant awakening (Buddhism)