a matter of life and death; a critical juncture where one either survives or perishes

(literary) a critical moment when one's survival is at stake, especially regarding the fate of a nation

survival or extermination, interruption or continuation; describes a life-or-death moment or an extremely critical situation

to ensure the survival and continuation of those on the brink of destruction or extinction; to restore fallen states or families; originally used to describe the achievements of Duke Huan of Qi in restoring the states of Yan and Xing

one's survival or death is still unknown; life and death cannot be foretold

the rise and fall, preservation or extinction of a nation, family, or cause

to preserve those who are in danger of ruin and restore those whose lineage has been broken

a critical situation where survival is at stake; a make-or-break matter

original title of a three hundred volume bibliography and study of Confucian classics compiled by Qing dynasty scholar Zhu Yizun

To restore a collapsed dynasty or rescue a state on the brink of destruction; to help those in desperate straits continue their lineage or existence.

to continue what is broken and save what is perishing; to help a country or family line survive a crisis