Daily Figurative Slangs (71)

长痛不如短痛
It is better to suffer short-term pain so that one will not have to suffer long-term pain.

【发音】cháng tòng bù rú duǎn tòng

【释义】长期痛苦还不如短期痛苦。指果断处事。
            Suffering the acute pain for a short time is better than a mild pain for a long time.
            This phrase suggests handling affairs in a decisive manner.

【例1】常痛的指头不如割掉；长痛不如短痛。
           Better a finger off as aye wagging.

【例2】长痛不如短痛， 还是早点动手术吧。
           To avoid long sufferings, you’d better have the operation as soon as possible.