📖 Meaning
To swallow one's tears and stifle one's sobs. It describes enduring suffering or oppression in silence, unable to openly express grief or resentment. The image is of tears flowing inward into the belly while suppressing any audible cry.
📜 Origin Story
The phrase originates from Ming dynasty author Shi Nai'an's novel 'Water Margin' (水浒全传), Chapter 98. In the story, the character Qiongying learns devastating news about her parents and is struck with grief like ten thousand arrows piercing her heart. She swallows her sobs and sheds tears in secret, nursing a relentless desire for revenge. The expression has since become a classical idiom for silent suffering under oppression.
💡 Example Usage
她受了委屈只能饮泣吞声，不敢向任何人诉说。
Wronged, she could only swallow her tears in silence, daring not to confide in anyone.
🏷️ Category
➕ Similar Idioms
➖ Opposite Idioms
🔤 Quick Facts
- Chinese: 饮泣吞声
- Pinyin: yǐn qì tūn shēng
- Literal Translation: drink, tears, swallow, voice
- Category: Emotion
- Characters: 4