📖 Meaning
To grip one's sword and glare fiercely. It describes a person brimming with threatening rage, appearing ready to draw blood. The phrase conveys an intimidating, combative posture charged with anger.
📜 Origin Story
The phrase originates from the chapter 'Robber Zhi' (盗跖) in the Daoist classic Zhuangzi (《庄子》), a Warring States period text attributed to the philosopher Zhuangzi. In the passage, the legendary bandit Robber Zhi confronts Confucius who has come to lecture him on virtue. Enraged, Zhi presses his sword, glares with bulging eyes, and speaks with a voice like a suckling tiger. The vivid imagery captures Zhi's fierce defiance against moralistic preaching.
💡 Example Usage
将军案剑瞋目，厉声喝退来犯之敌。
The general gripped his sword and glared fiercely, shouting down the invading enemy.
🏷️ Category
➕ Similar Idioms
➖ Opposite Idioms
🔤 Quick Facts
- Chinese: 案剑瞋目
- Pinyin: àn jiàn chēn mù
- Literal Translation: press, sword, glare, eyes
- Category: Attitude
- Characters: 4