使心别气

shǐ xīn bié qì
Literal: "use, heart, separate, anger"

📖 Meaning

This idiom refers to losing one's temper or throwing a fit. It describes a person who becomes visibly angry and vents their frustration over something. The phrase conveys deliberately working oneself into a state of irritation and displeasure.

📜 Origin Story

The specific textual origin of this idiom is not well-documented in classical literature. It is a colloquial expression that likely emerged from vernacular speech, combining '使心' (to stir up one's mind) with '别气' (to feel aggrieved or angry). Such phrases were commonly used in everyday communication to describe someone who sulked or flew into a rage over perceived slights. Over time it became recognized as a set phrase in Chinese vocabulary.

💡 Example Usage

他因为一点小事就使心别气,让周围的人都感到不自在。

He lost his temper over a trivial matter, making everyone around him feel uncomfortable.

🏷️ Category

➕ Similar Idioms

➖ Opposite Idioms

🔤 Quick Facts

  • Chinese: 使心别气
  • Pinyin: shǐ xīn bié qì
  • Literal Translation: use, heart, separate, anger
  • Category: Emotion
  • Characters: 4