📖 Meaning
Literally 'like falling into a sea of smoke.' It describes being completely lost and disoriented, unable to find one's bearings or grasp the essentials of a situation. The idiom is used when someone is overwhelmed by complexity and cannot find a clear direction or clue.
📜 Origin Story
This idiom originates from 'A New Account of the Tales of the World' (世说新语) by Liu Yiqing of the Southern Dynasties (Song). The story recounts how Wang Zhongzu and Liu Zhenchang visited Yin Zhongjun (general of the central army) for a conversation, and after the talk they rode away together. Liu praised Yin, saying he was truly impressive, but Wang replied, 'You have fallen into his clouds and mist.' Wang's remark implied that Liu had been so captivated by Yin's rhetoric that he was lost in confusion, unable to see clearly.
💡 Example Usage
面对堆积如山的数据，他如堕烟海，一时竟不知从何下手。
Facing mountains of data, he felt as if lost in a sea of smoke, unsure for a moment where to even begin.
🏷️ Category
➕ Similar Idioms
➖ Opposite Idioms
🔤 Quick Facts
- Chinese: 如堕烟海
- Pinyin: rú duò yān hǎi
- Literal Translation: like, fall into, smoke, sea
- Category: Clarity
- Characters: 4