📖 Meaning
A spotted turtledove that has been hit by a shot and falls to the ground. It is used metaphorically to describe a person who has suffered setbacks and is left dejected, dispirited, and emotionally hurt. The image conveys a state of helplessness and defeat after being struck down.
📜 Origin Story
This idiom has no documented textual origin, with its 出处 (source) listed as unknown. It derives from the vivid folk image of a turtledove (斑鸠) struck by a pellet (弹) and falling from mid-air. The bird, brought down helplessly and left on the ground, came to symbolize a person who has been frustrated and emotionally wounded by setbacks. No specific dynasty or historical figure is associated with its coinage, suggesting it arose from colloquial speech rather than classical literature.
💡 Example Usage
他自从创业失败后就如跌弹斑鸠，整天闷在家里不出门。
After his business failed, he was like a shot turtledove, staying cooped up at home all day.
🏷️ Category
➕ Similar Idioms
➖ Opposite Idioms
🔤 Quick Facts
- Chinese: 跌弹斑鸠
- Pinyin: diē dàn bān jiū
- Literal Translation: fall, shot, spotted turtledove
- Category: Emotion
- Characters: 4