📖 Meaning
To cry out about being wronged and protest one's innocence. It describes someone loudly complaining that they have been treated unfairly or unjustly accused. The idiom conveys a strong emotional appeal against perceived injustice.
📜 Origin Story
This phrase originates from the Qing dynasty novel 'Dream of the Red Chamber' (红楼梦) by Cao Xueqin, specifically Chapter 83. In the scene, the character Bao Chan persistently cries out about her grievances and protests her unjust treatment, refusing to be silenced. The vivid depiction of her loud protest became a lasting expression for vocally defending oneself against wrongful accusations.
💡 Example Usage
他被冤枉偷了东西，到处喊冤叫屈，却没人肯听他解释。
Falsely accused of theft, he went around crying out about his grievance, but no one was willing to listen to his explanation.
🏷️ Category
➕ Similar Idioms
➖ Opposite Idioms
🔤 Quick Facts
- Chinese: 喊冤叫屈
- Pinyin: hǎn yuān jiào qū
- Literal Translation: cry, grievance, call, injustice
- Category: Communication
- Characters: 4