📖 Meaning
This idiom describes someone whose arrogance and overbearing manner is so extreme that it seems to pierce the heavens. It is used to criticize people who abuse their power and look down on everyone around them.
📜 Origin Story
The phrase comes from the Qing dynasty novel 'Wenming Xiao Shi' (A Brief History of Civilization) by Li Baojia, Chapter 41. In the story, Prefect Kang was at the height of his power, so arrogant that ordinary候补道 (reserve officials) were beneath his notice. The narrator notes that he would still occasionally meet with one particular relative, simply because of the family connection. The expression illustrates how unchecked official authority breeds contemptuous behavior.
💡 Example Usage
那个贪官气焰熏天，根本不把百姓的疾苦放在心上。
That corrupt official was so insufferably arrogant that he completely disregarded the people's suffering.
🏷️ Category
➕ Similar Idioms
➖ Opposite Idioms
🔤 Quick Facts
- Chinese: 气焰熏天
- Pinyin: qì yàn xūn tiān
- Literal Translation: aura, flame, smoke, sky
- Category: Attitude
- Characters: 4