📖 Meaning
This idiom describes something as swift and fast-moving as flying clouds and flashing lightning. It is used to characterize extreme speed and rapidity. The imagery evokes the breathtaking velocity of natural phenomena sweeping across the sky.
📜 Origin Story
The phrase originates from the Ming Dynasty novel 'Investiture of the Gods' (封神演义) by Xu Zhonglin, specifically Chapter 21. In the original context, it describes pursuing troops rushing forward with the swiftness of flying clouds and lightning. The expression has since become a vivid metaphor for extraordinary speed in classical Chinese literature.
💡 Example Usage
他骑上快马，飞云掣电般地赶往前线报信。
He mounted a fast horse and rushed to the front lines to deliver the message as swiftly as flying clouds and lightning.
🏷️ Category
➕ Similar Idioms
➖ Opposite Idioms
🔤 Quick Facts
- Chinese: 飞云掣电
- Pinyin: fēi yún chè diàn
- Literal Translation: flying clouds, flashing lightning
- Category: Speed
- Characters: 4