📖 Meaning
To glare at someone with wide-open, angry eyes. It describes the fierce expression of a person who is on the verge of losing their temper. The idiom conveys intense anger and hostility directed at a specific target.
📜 Origin Story
The idiom originates from the Ming Dynasty novel 'Romance of the Three Kingdoms' (三国演义) by Luo Guanzhong. In the third chapter, the scheming minister Dong Zhuo has seized power and considers deposing the young emperor. When the official Ding Yuan opposes him, Dong Zhuo's advisor Li Ru notices a formidable warrior standing behind Ding Yuan—Lü Bu, who cuts an imposing figure with his halberd in hand and glares furiously at Dong Zhuo. This vivid scene of Lü Bu's menacing stare gave rise to the idiom, symbolizing barely restrained rage.
💡 Example Usage
听到这番无理指责，他怒目而视，拳头攥得咯咯作响。
Hearing these unreasonable accusations, he glared furiously, his fists clenching tight.
🏷️ Category
➕ Similar Idioms
➖ Opposite Idioms
🔤 Quick Facts
- Chinese: 怒目而视
- Pinyin: nù mù ér shì
- Literal Translation: angry, eyes, and, stare
- Category: Emotion
- Characters: 4