📖 Meaning
Literally 'to collapse following the wind,' like grass bending before a gust. It describes the swift collapse of the weak when facing overwhelming force, or the rapid spread and imitation of a trend or fashion once it takes hold.
📜 Origin Story
From the Book of Han, Biography of Han Xin. During the Chu-Han contention, the brilliant strategist Han Xin adopted the counsel of Guangwu Jun (Li Zuoche) after conquering the state of Zhao. Following Li's advice, Han Xin dispatched envoys to the neighboring state of Yan. Upon learning of Han Xin's string of victories and military might, Yan submitted without a fight, collapsing before him like grass bending in the wind.
💡 Example Usage
敌军势大，守军从风而靡，开城投降。
The enemy forces were overwhelming; the defenders collapsed like grass before the wind and opened the city gates in surrender.
🏷️ Category
➕ Similar Idioms
➖ Opposite Idioms
🔤 Quick Facts
- Chinese: 从风而靡
- Pinyin: cóng fēng ér mí
- Literal Translation: follow, wind, and, collapse
- Category: Power
- Characters: 4