Verb + 一X是一X for “Every Bit Counts”
Use patterns like 能省一点是一点 to say you’ll take whatever you can get, however small.
Pattern
(能 / 多) + verb + 一 + measure word + 是 + 一 + same measure word
Verb + 一X是一X means “every X you manage counts,” so do as much as you can; 过一天是一天 can also mean just getting by.
东西越来越贵了，能省一点是一点。
When to use Verb + 一X是一X for “Every Bit Counts”
Say a verb with 一 + a measure word, then repeat 一 + the same measure word after 是: 省一点是一点, 做一道是一道. Literally, “save one bit, and that is one bit (gained).”
离考试只有两天了，能复习一点是一点。
There are only two days until the exam, so every bit of review counts.
坐火车要十个小时，能睡一会儿是一会儿。
The train ride is ten hours, so I’ll grab as much sleep as I can.
作业太多了，能做一道是一道。
There’s too much homework. I’ll do as many questions as I can.
时间不多了，我们能去一个地方是一个吧。
We don’t have much time left. Let’s see as many places as we can.
Common traps
- Repeat the same measure word on both sides: 做一道是一道, not 做一道是一个.
- Keep 是 in the middle; 省一点就一点 is wrong.
- 过一天是一天 can sound negative, like just drifting along; use it with care.
Targeted drill
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