一發而不可收

一发而不可收
yīfāérbùkěshōu
to be impossible to stop once started

CEDICT

Entry Composition

1 一發 yīfā
  1. along with all others; altogether
  2. even more
2 而 ér
  1. and
  2. as well as
  3. and so
  4. but (not)
  5. yet (not)
  6. (indicates causal relation)
  7. (indicates change of state)
  8. (indicates contrast)
3 不可 bùkě cannot; should not; must not
4 收 shōu
  1. to receive
  2. to accept
  3. to collect
  4. to put away
  5. to restrain
  6. to stop
  7. in care of (used on address line after name)