📖 Meaning
Describes a household thrown into complete turmoil and uproar, with family members quarreling or making a commotion so that no one can find peace. It conveys the image of a home turned upside down by noise and conflict.
📜 Origin Story
This idiom originates from Chapter 116 of 'Dream of the Red Chamber' (红楼梦), written by Cao Xueqin during the Qing Dynasty. In the passage, a character recalls how, when it was once said that Lin Daiyu would return to the south, Baoyu was nearly frightened to death, and the entire household was thrown into chaos. The phrase vividly captures the domestic upheaval caused by Baoyu's frantic reaction, making it a lasting expression for a household in disorder.
💡 Example Usage
兄弟俩为分家产闹得家翻宅乱，连邻居都惊动了。
The two brothers quarreled so fiercely over the inheritance that the whole household was thrown into chaos, even alarming the neighbors.
🏷️ Category
➕ Similar Idioms
➖ Opposite Idioms
🔤 Quick Facts
- Chinese: 家翻宅乱
- Pinyin: jiā fān zhái luàn
- Literal Translation: home, turned over, house, chaotic
- Category: Condition
- Characters: 4