📖 Meaning
This idiom means that everyone unanimously scolds or condemns someone. It describes a situation where public opinion collectively turns against a person, with criticism coming from all sides. The phrase emphasizes the unified nature of the verbal attack.
📜 Origin Story
This idiom originates from the Qing dynasty historical work《中西纪事》by Xia Xie (夏燮), in the chapter '海疆殉难记上' (Records of Martyrs on the Coastal Frontier, Part One). The original text states '牛督拥兵护逃，众口交詈' — Governor Niu led troops to protect someone's escape and was unanimously cursed by all. The work documents events during China's coastal defense crises in the mid-19th century, including conflicts with Western powers.
💡 Example Usage
贪官事发后众口交詈，无人愿为其辩护。
After the corrupt official's crimes were exposed, everyone unanimously condemned him, and no one was willing to defend him.
🏷️ Category
➕ Similar Idioms
➖ Opposite Idioms
🔤 Quick Facts
- Chinese: 众口交詈
- Pinyin: zhòng kǒu jiāo lì
- Literal Translation: many mouths, mutually, scold
- Category: Communication
- Characters: 4