narrow escape from death; advancing in the face of death
A yojijukugo (four-character idiom) used to describe a situation where one barely survives a life-threatening danger, or the determination to press on despite the risk of death. Often used in literary or dramatic contexts.
He experienced a narrow escape from death on the battlefield.
With the determination to advance in the face of death, they charged into the enemy camp.
九死一生 (きゅうしいっしょう) is a more common yojijukugo with a similar meaning of a narrow escape from death, but 万死一生 emphasizes an even more extreme peril or a resolute advance despite certain death.
A yojijukugo composed of 万 (ten thousand, myriad), 死 (death), 一 (one), and 生 (life). The phrase literally means 'ten thousand deaths, one life,' conveying the idea of facing countless dangers with only a slim chance of survival. The exact historical origin is uncertain, but it follows a common pattern in classical Chinese-derived idioms.