📖 Meaning
To possess the supernatural power to summon deities and command heavenly generals. It describes someone with immense, almost magical abilities who can control forces beyond ordinary human reach. The idiom conveys extraordinary prowess and commanding authority over the supernatural.
📜 Origin Story
This idiom originates from the Qing dynasty novel 'Dream of the Red Chamber' (红楼梦) by Cao Xueqin, specifically Chapter 64. In the story, the character Fangguan is described as being so enchanting and swift in her actions that even the most powerful incantations for summoning gods and dispatching heavenly generals could not match her speed. The phrase uses Daoist and folk-religion imagery of sorcerers who, through talismans and spells, could command celestial beings.
💡 Example Usage
这位道长自称能拘神遣将，引得许多人前来求他施法。
The Daoist priest claimed he could summon deities and command heavenly generals, drawing many people to seek his magical aid.
🏷️ Category
➕ Similar Idioms
➖ Opposite Idioms
🔤 Quick Facts
- Chinese: 拘神遣将
- Pinyin: jū shén qiǎn jiàng
- Literal Translation: detain gods, dispatch generals
- Category: Power
- Characters: 4