📖 Meaning
To hang one's head and droop one's wings. It describes a person who is dispirited and dejected after suffering a setback or defeat, like a bird that has lost its vigor and confidence.
📜 Origin Story
This idiom comes from a proclamation written by Chen Lin during the late Eastern Han dynasty, titled 'Proclamation to Yuzhou on Behalf of Yuan Shao.' Chen Lin wrote on behalf of the warlord Yuan Shao to denounce Cao Cao, describing how even the most capable officials within the capital region hung their heads and drooped their wings, with nothing to rely on. The phrase vividly depicted the demoralized state of court officials during the chaotic power struggles of that era.
💡 Example Usage
比赛失利后，他垂头搨翼，好几天都提不起精神。
After losing the competition, he hung his head and drooped his wings, unable to muster any energy for days.
🏷️ Category
➕ Similar Idioms
➖ Opposite Idioms
🔤 Quick Facts
- Chinese: 垂头搨翼
- Pinyin: chuí tóu dá yì
- Literal Translation: hang, head, droop, wing
- Category: Attitude
- Characters: 4