📖 Meaning
There is nothing so firm or solid that it cannot be destroyed. It describes a force or power so overwhelming that it can break through any defense or obstacle. The character 靡 (mí) is a classical equivalent of 无 (nothing/not), making this a variant of the more common idiom 无坚不摧.
📜 Origin Story
This idiom has no single identifiable origin story but is a classical variant of the well-known 无坚不摧. In classical Chinese, 靡 (mí) functions as an equivalent of 无, meaning 'nothing' or 'not.' The idiom appears in various military and literary contexts throughout Chinese history, where it was used to describe armies or weapons of irresistible power. It reflects the traditional Chinese military ideal that overwhelming force can overcome any fortification.
💡 Example Usage
这支军队靡坚不摧，连克数城，令敌军闻风丧胆。
This army could destroy any fortification in its path, capturing several cities in succession and striking fear into the enemy.
🏷️ Category
➕ Similar Idioms
➖ Opposite Idioms
🔤 Quick Facts
- Chinese: 靡坚不摧
- Pinyin: mí jiān bù cuī
- Literal Translation: nothing, firm, not, destroy
- Category: Power
- Characters: 4