a kite that is lost after its string breaks; a metaphor for a person or thing that has disappeared or from whom one never hears anymore

bolt cutter; wire cutters for heavy-duty use

Describes someone or something that has disappeared without a trace or from whom no news has been heard; same as [[断线风筝|斷線風箏|duan4 xian4 feng1 zheng1]]

continuous and patient effort; persistent and steady progress without interruption