shī cuò
Meaning
lose one's head
be at a loss
panic
Explanation
Refers to losing one's composure and not knowing what to do when faced with a sudden event. It is most commonly used in the idiom "惊慌失措" (panic-stricken).
Derivatives
Easily confused
Etymology
From "失" (to lose) + "措" (to handle/measure). Literally, to lose the means of handling a situation.
Memory tips
Think of it as "losing (失) one's measures/actions (措)" = being at a loss or panicking.
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