📖 Meaning
Like wind sweeping across and grass bowing down. It describes a powerful force or overwhelming momentum that subdues and overwhelms everything in its path. Used to depict an irresistible authority or military might.
📜 Origin Story
The phrase originates from the Tang dynasty text 'Da Tang Chuangye Qijuzhu' (Notes on the Founding of the Great Tang) Volume 2, written by Wen Daya. It records that when the Duke of Dunhuang (referring to Li Shimin, later Emperor Taizong) marched to Zhouzhi, the counties and bandit-controlled territories he passed through all submitted without resistance—packing their provisions, rolling up their armor, and obeying his every command, just as grass flattens before a rushing wind.
💡 Example Usage
起义军所到之处，敌军风驰草靡，纷纷投降。
Wherever the rebel army went, the enemy forces collapsed like grass before the wind and surrendered one after another.
🏷️ Category
➕ Similar Idioms
➖ Opposite Idioms
🔤 Quick Facts
- Chinese: 风驰草靡
- Pinyin: fēng chí cǎo mǐ
- Literal Translation: wind, gallop, grass, fall
- Category: Power
- Characters: 4