📖 Meaning
To have one's might and prestige spread across the entire land, astonishing the whole world. It describes a person or force whose power and fame are so overwhelming that everyone under heaven is struck with awe.
📜 Origin Story
The idiom originates from the Han dynasty text 'Discourses on Salt and Iron' (盐铁论·非鞅) by Huan Kuan. It refers to the Qin general Meng Tian, who drove the northern Xiongnu barbarians back a thousand li. The author notes that Meng Tian's achievements were not without merit, and his awe shook all under heaven, not without strength. The phrase thus commemorates Meng Tian's military prowess and the far-reaching prestige of the Qin empire's frontier defense.
💡 Example Usage
蒙恬率军北击匈奴，威震天下，使胡人不敢南下牧马。
Meng Tian led his army north against the Xiongnu, his might shaking all under heaven, so that the barbarians dared not come south to graze their horses.
🏷️ Category
➕ Similar Idioms
➖ Opposite Idioms
🔤 Quick Facts
- Chinese: 威震天下
- Pinyin: wēi zhèn tiān xià
- Literal Translation: awe, shake, heaven, under
- Category: Power
- Characters: 4