📖 Meaning
A metaphor for encouraging and amplifying the momentum of something, usually negative, from the sidelines, causing its influence to spread further. It describes adding fuel to an already escalating situation, making things worse rather than better.
📜 Origin Story
This idiom originates from 'Wenzhongzi: Wen Yi Pian' (Questions on the Book of Changes) by Wang Tong of the Sui Dynasty. The original text states that the deeds of the true ruler and Jiande were enough to push the waves and add to the billows, like trying to stop a fire by fanning the wind. Wang Tong used the metaphor to criticize actions that worsened a bad situation instead of remedying it. The phrase has since come to describe those who fan the flames of undesirable developments.
💡 Example Usage
一些不良媒体对谣言推波助澜，导致公众恐慌加剧。
Some unscrupulous media outlets fanned the flames of the rumor, intensifying public panic.
🏷️ Category
➕ Similar Idioms
➖ Opposite Idioms
🔤 Quick Facts
- Chinese: 推波助澜
- Pinyin: tuī bō zhù lán
- Literal Translation: push, wave, help, billow
- Category: Action
- Characters: 4