📖 Meaning
As fierce as thunder and as swift as the wind. It describes carrying out policies, orders, or tasks with strict, vigorous, and rapid action. Often used to praise decisive and efficient execution.
📜 Origin Story
This idiom originates from a memorial to the throne written by the Tang dynasty scholar-official Han Yu (韩愈) in his 'Report as Prefect of Chaozhou' (《潮州刺史谢上表》). In it, he praised Emperor Xianzong for personally handling state affairs upon ascending the throne, turning the heavens and earth, and governing with the force of thunder and the swiftness of wind. Over time, the phrase came to describe executing decisions with overwhelming speed and determination.
💡 Example Usage
新任市长上任后雷厉风行地整顿交通秩序，短短一个月便成效显著。
After taking office, the new mayor tackled traffic order with thunderous vigor, achieving notable results in just one month.
🏷️ Category
➕ Similar Idioms
➖ Opposite Idioms
🔤 Quick Facts
- Chinese: 雷厉风行
- Pinyin: léi lì fēng xíng
- Literal Translation: thunder, fierce, wind, move
- Category: Action
- Characters: 4