📖 Meaning
This idiom refers to An Lushan's rebellion against the Tang Dynasty in 755 AD, when he raised an army at Yuyang. The 鞞鼓 are small drums used by cavalry. It later became an allusion for foreign invasion or armed rebellion.
📜 Origin Story
This idiom originates from Bai Juyi's famous Tang Dynasty poem 'Song of Everlasting Sorrow' (长恨歌). The poem vividly describes how war drums from Yuyang thundered across the land, startling and interrupting Emperor Xuanzong's performance of the 'Rainbow Garment and Feather Dress' dance. This refers to An Lushan's rebellion in 755 AD, which shattered the prosperity of the High Tang and forced Emperor Xuanzong to flee the capital. The phrase has since become a classical allusion for the sudden outbreak of war or foreign invasion.
💡 Example Usage
渔阳鞞鼓一声响，大唐从此由盛转衰。
When the war drums of Yuyang thundered, the great Tang Dynasty began its decline from peak prosperity.
🏷️ Category
➕ Similar Idioms
➖ Opposite Idioms
🔤 Quick Facts
- Chinese: 渔阳鞞鼓
- Pinyin: yǔ yáng pí gǔ
- Literal Translation: Yuyang, cavalry drum, beating
- Category: Power
- Characters: 4