📖 Meaning
Completely without any trace or sign. It describes someone or something that has disappeared entirely, with no clue as to their whereabouts. Used when a person or object vanishes and cannot be found despite searching.
📜 Origin Story
The phrase originates from the Ming Dynasty novel 'Water Margin' (水浒传) by Shi Nai'an. In Chapter 43, the character Li Kui goes to fetch water for his mother, only to find upon his return that she has vanished without a trace—calling her name several times elicits no response. The expression vividly conveys the helpless sense of someone having disappeared completely, leaving nothing behind to follow.
💡 Example Usage
他离家出走后便杳无踪迹，家人四处寻找仍无下落。
After he ran away from home, he vanished without a trace; his family searched everywhere but found no clue.
🏷️ Category
➕ Similar Idioms
➖ Opposite Idioms
🔤 Quick Facts
- Chinese: 杳无踪迹
- Pinyin: yǎo wú zōng jī
- Literal Translation: obscure, without, trace, track
- Category: Condition
- Characters: 4