📖 Meaning
To see something so startling and dreadful that it shocks both one's eyes and one's heart. It describes a sight or scene that is visually horrifying and emotionally unsettling. Often used for scenes of destruction, danger, or violence that leave a deep disturbing impression.
📜 Origin Story
The idiom originates from the Qing dynasty collection 'Yetan Suilu' (Night Tales Recorded) by He Bang'e, in the chapter titled 'Xiu Lin.' The original passage depicts a catastrophic flood where the ground is suddenly submerged under water several zhang deep, seaweed and water plants drape from treetops, and boat rudders are pressed against rooftops—a scene of devastation horrifying to witness. It later appeared in the Qing novel 'Sanxia Wuyi' (Three Heroes and Five Gallants), where a character is so startled by the sight of a blade that he cries out in alarm.
💡 Example Usage
这场惨烈的车祸现场令人骇目惊心，久久不能平静。
The gruesome scene of the car accident was so horrifying to witness that one could not calm down for a long time.
🏷️ Category
➕ Similar Idioms
➖ Opposite Idioms
🔤 Quick Facts
- Chinese: 骇目惊心
- Pinyin: hài mù jīng xīn
- Literal Translation: startle the eyes, shock the heart
- Category: Emotion
- Characters: 4