📖 Meaning
Describes an astonishing voice, spirit, or creative force so powerful it seems capable of propping up thunder and splitting the moon. It conveys an overwhelming, earth-shattering presence that leaves a profound impact on those who witness it.
📜 Origin Story
This idiom originates from the Tang Dynasty poet and literary critic Sikong Tu (司空图) in his essay 'Evaluating Poetry with Wang Jia' (《与王驾评诗》). Sikong Tu had just compiled his own poetry collection titled 'Yiming Ji' (《一鸣集》) and remarked that his verses could 'prop up thunder and split the moon, wrenching the very liver and spleen of fellow writers.' He declared that even such bold self-praise would not cause him to blush — a testament to his unshakable confidence in his poetic power.
💡 Example Usage
他一声长啸，撑霆裂月，震慑全场。
He let out a long howl, as if propping up thunder and splitting the moon, awing the entire audience into silence.
🏷️ Category
➕ Similar Idioms
➖ Opposite Idioms
🔤 Quick Facts
- Chinese: 撑霆裂月
- Pinyin: chēng tíng liè yuè
- Literal Translation: prop up thunder, split the moon
- Category: Power
- Characters: 4