📖 Meaning
Like lightning illuminating and wind spreading rapidly. It describes something that has a far-reaching and powerful influence. The idiom conveys the speed and breadth of impact, much like how lightning flashes across the sky and wind sweeps across the land.
📜 Origin Story
This idiom originates from 'Bian Ming Lun' (辩命论), an essay by Liu Xiaobiao of the Liang dynasty during the Southern Dynasties. In the essay, Liu writes that something shines like lightning and spreads like wind, its reputation reaching overseas. The phrase was used to describe the vast and swift spread of influence or renown. Liu Xiaobiao was a scholar known for his literary works during the Southern Dynasties period.
💡 Example Usage
这位将军的威名电照风行，令敌军闻风丧胆。
The general's formidable reputation spread like lightning and wind, striking fear into the enemy.
🏷️ Category
➕ Similar Idioms
➖ Opposite Idioms
🔤 Quick Facts
- Chinese: 电照风行
- Pinyin: diàn zhào fēng xíng
- Literal Translation: lightning, shine, wind, travel
- Category: Power
- Characters: 4