📖 Meaning
Describes a heroic and courageous act of eliminating a great scourge for the benefit of the people. It evokes the image of a lone champion fearlessly confronting an overwhelming catastrophe to save the world.
📜 Origin Story
This idiom originates from the mythological tale recorded in the 'Huainanzi' (淮南子), compiled by Liu An during the Western Han Dynasty. In the story, ten suns once appeared in the sky simultaneously, scorching the earth and causing widespread suffering. The legendary archer Hou Yi (后羿) took up his bow and shot down nine of the suns, leaving only one to warm the world. His deed became an enduring symbol of ridding the people of calamity.
💡 Example Usage
消防员们冲进火海救人，堪称羿射九日的英雄壮举。
The firefighters rushing into the sea of flames to save lives was a heroic feat truly worthy of Hou Yi shooting down the nine suns.
🏷️ Category
➕ Similar Idioms
➖ Opposite Idioms
🔤 Quick Facts
- Chinese: 羿射九日
- Pinyin: yì shè jiǔ rì
- Literal Translation: Yi, shoot, nine, suns
- Category: Morality
- Characters: 4