Basic Info The image is one of wanton destruction of living things and natural resources – killing, wasting, and squandering what nature has produced. Figurative Definition It originally meant to cruelly destroy and exterminate the living creatures of nature. In modern usage, it has broadened to mean to waste, squander, or recklessly destroy valuable…
Basic Info The image is of a ruler or person whose cruelty has abandoned all moral principle – violence unrestrained by any sense of right and wrong. Figurative Definition It describes someone – usually a ruler, tyrant, or person in power – who is brutally cruel and utterly devoid of moral conscience. Their actions…
Basic Info The image is of something completely and utterly laid bare – nothing hidden, nothing omitted, everything visible. Figurative Definition It means that something is fully and thoroughly exposed – with no part left concealed or unrevealed. It is used when truths, secrets, true nature, flaws, or intentions are completely laid open for…
Basic Info Figurative Definition It describes someone who is both brutally cruel and utterly unrestrained – a person who acts with violence, arrogance, and total disregard for law, morality, or the rights of others. Such a person does whatever they want, whenever they want, backed by force and intimidation. It combines two qualities: Together,…
Basic Info Important note: 冯 here is read píng (not féng), an ancient variant meaning “to wade across.” The image is of someone attacking a tiger with bare hands and fording a deep river without a boat – two acts of reckless, suicidal bravado. Figurative Definition It describes reckless, foolhardy courage without strategy or…
Basic Info Also written as “暴风疾雨” (bào fēng jí yǔ). Figurative Definition It describes a fierce, sudden, and overwhelming storm – wind and rain that arrive with great force and fury. Figuratively, it is used to describe any powerful, sweeping movement, event, or action that arrives with tremendous momentum and intensity – such as…
Basic Info Also written as “负薪救火” (fù xīn jiù huǒ). Figurative Definition It means to use a wrong or counterproductive method to solve a problem – and thereby make the problem worse instead of better. The image is absurd: instead of extinguishing the flames, you bring more fuel. The “solution” feeds the disaster. It…
Basic Info The image is of someone clutching their head in panic and darting away like a frightened rat – a humiliating, disorderly flight. Figurative Definition It describes fleeing in panic and disgrace after being defeated, frightened, or exposed – running away in a wretched, cowardly, and undignified manner. It emphasizes not just escape,…
Basic Info Also written as “抱头痛哭” (bào tóu tòng kū), with 痛 (tòng) adding the sense of “bitterly / painfully.” Figurative Definition It describes two or more people embracing and weeping bitterly together, overwhelmed by deep shared sorrow, grief, or emotion. It is not the quiet weeping of private sadness – it is loud,…