📖 Meaning
Literally 'autumn wind sweeping away fallen leaves,' this idiom describes a force of overwhelming power that destroys or removes everything in its path with irresistible momentum. It is most often used of military campaigns, sweeping reforms, or any action carried out with swift and devastating vigor.
📜 Origin Story
The phrase comes from Volume 19 of Stories to Awaken the World (醒世恒言) by the Ming dynasty writer Feng Menglong. The passage describes the character Cheng Wanli watching the Yuan army pass through the land, annihilating everything in their path 'like autumn wind sweeping away leaves,' and feeling deep sorrow at the devastation. It closes with the famous reflection that it is better to be a dog in times of peace than a human in times of chaos. Over time the phrase became a vivid metaphor for overwhelming and irresistible force.
💡 Example Usage
这支起义军势如破竹，所到之处如秋风扫叶，敌军纷纷溃散。
The rebel army advanced with irresistible force, and wherever they went they swept through like autumn wind scattering leaves, sending the enemy troops fleeing in every direction.
🏷️ Category
➕ Similar Idioms
➖ Opposite Idioms
🔤 Quick Facts
- Chinese: 秋风扫叶
- Pinyin: qiū fēng sǎo yè
- Literal Translation: autumn, wind, sweep, leaves
- Category: Power
- Characters: 4