📖 Meaning
Originally described the clamor of voices and clouds of dust stirred up in a military camp preparing for battle. Today it is used figuratively to describe rumors, gossip, or opinions spreading widely and causing a stir. It often carries a negative connotation, referring to reactionary or hostile rhetoric becoming rampant and嚣张 (brazenly aggressive).
📜 Origin Story
The idiom originates from the Zuo Zhuan (左传), Duke Cheng's 16th year (575 BCE), during the Spring and Autumn period. The Chu army faced the Jin army at Yanling. When King Gong of Chu observed dust rising and heard loud noise from the Jin camp, his advisor Bo Zhouli explained that the Jin soldiers were preparing their battle formations, with the clamor and dust indicating their intense activity. The king remarked, '甚嚣，且尘上矣' — 'the clamor is great, and the dust is rising.'
💡 Example Usage
关于公司即将破产的谣言甚嚣尘上，员工们人心惶惶。
Rumors about the company going bankrupt are running rampant, leaving the employees in a state of panic.
🏷️ Category
➕ Similar Idioms
➖ Opposite Idioms
🔤 Quick Facts
- Chinese: 甚嚣尘上
- Pinyin: shèn xiāo chén shàng
- Literal Translation: very, clamor, dust, rising
- Category: Communication
- Characters: 4