📖 Meaning
Describes a state where one's spirit is shaken and mind cannot concentrate due to external stimulation or temptation. It conveys being deeply unsettled or entranced, as if one's very soul is swayed.
📜 Origin Story
The phrase originates from the Qing dynasty novel "Xueyan Waizhuan" (Tales of Xueyan), Chapter 6. The protagonist Xueyan, based on the famous Qing dynasty merchant Hu Xueyan, admires a beautiful object and is reminded of the romantic anecdote of Emperor Yang of the Sui Dynasty and his bronze mirror screen. This recollection so stirs him that his spirit is shaken and he cannot compose himself, hence "魄荡魂摇."
💡 Example Usage
那绝色佳人一曲舞罢，令满座宾客魄荡魂摇。
After the peerless beauty finished her dance, all the guests present were entranced and unable to compose themselves.
🏷️ Category
➕ Similar Idioms
➖ Opposite Idioms
🔤 Quick Facts
- Chinese: 魄荡魂摇
- Pinyin: pò dàng hún yáo
- Literal Translation: soul, tossed, spirit, shaken
- Category: Emotion
- Characters: 4