📖 Meaning
This idiom describes crimes of immense and overwhelming magnitude, likening them to floodwaters that reach the heavens. It is typically used to condemn atrocities, war crimes, or extraordinarily severe wrongdoing that cannot be tolerated or forgiven.
📜 Origin Story
This is a modern Chinese expression rather than one drawn from a specific classical text. The component '滔天' (literally 'billowing to the sky') originated in classical literature describing floods or disasters of staggering scale, and over time came to be paired with words for evil or guilt to denote enormity. Combined with '罪行' (criminal acts), the phrase crystallized in modern usage, frequently appearing in historical and political contexts to denounce atrocities such as wartime aggressions. No single dynasty or figure is credited as its source.
💡 Example Usage
这个犯罪集团犯下了滔天罪行，必将受到法律的严惩。
This criminal syndicate has committed monstrous crimes and will inevitably face severe punishment under the law.
🏷️ Category
➕ Similar Idioms
➖ Opposite Idioms
🔤 Quick Facts
- Chinese: 滔天罪行
- Pinyin: tāo tiān zuì xíng
- Literal Translation: billowing to the sky, crime, act
- Category: Morality
- Characters: 4