📖 Meaning
Literally to raise winds and stir up waves. It originally described demons and monsters in mythological tales using magic to whip up storms at sea. In modern usage it is a metaphor for stirring up trouble, inciting emotions, or deliberately creating conflict and unrest.
📜 Origin Story
The phrase originates from the Yuan dynasty anonymous play 'Suo Mo Jing' (锁魔镜), where a powerful dragon in the Jiazhou rivers would stir up winds and waves, harming the local people. The demonic creature's ability to conjure storms became a vivid image of destructive chaos. Over time, the expression evolved from its mythological roots into a common metaphor for anyone who deliberately provokes trouble or incites disorder in society.
💡 Example Usage
少数别有用心的人在背后兴风作浪，企图破坏团结。
A few people with ulterior motives are stirring up trouble behind the scenes, attempting to undermine unity.
🏷️ Category
➕ Similar Idioms
➖ Opposite Idioms
🔤 Quick Facts
- Chinese: 兴风作浪
- Pinyin: xīng fēng zuò làng
- Literal Translation: raise, wind, make, waves
- Category: Power
- Characters: 4