📖 Meaning
An exclamation of astonishment at something absurd or contrary to reason. It describes bizarre, incomprehensible events that defy common sense and normal expectations. Used to express shock at a situation that simply should not have occurred.
📜 Origin Story
From 'A New Account of the Tales of the World' (世说新语·黜免) by Liu Yiqing of the Southern Dynasties, Liu Song period. Yin Hao, a prominent military commander of the Eastern Jin dynasty, was dismissed from office and exiled to Xin'an. All day long he would trace characters in the air with his finger. When local officials secretly observed what he wrote, they found he only repeatedly wrote the four characters '咄咄怪事' (absurd! absurd!), expressing his bewilderment and quiet indignation at his unjust downfall.
💡 Example Usage
他明明考了第一名，却被取消了资格，真是咄咄怪事。
He clearly ranked first, yet his qualification was revoked—what an absurd turn of events.
🏷️ Category
➕ Similar Idioms
➖ Opposite Idioms
🔤 Quick Facts
- Chinese: 咄咄怪事
- Pinyin: duō duō guài shì
- Literal Translation: surprise-sound, strange, matter
- Category: Condition
- Characters: 4