📖 Meaning
This idiom means that collective public opinion can reach and move heaven. It serves as a metaphor for the immense power wielded by the combined voices of the crowd. When many people speak together, their words carry force that can sway outcomes dramatically.
📜 Origin Story
The phrase originates from the work Lüshi Chunqiu (《吕氏春秋》), specifically the chapter 'Li Wei' (离谓), compiled in the late Warring States period under the patronage of the Qin statesman Lü Buwei. The original passage states, 'Praise and blame form factions, and the mouths of the multitude smoke up to heaven,' warning that coordinated public opinion—whether true or false—can become an overwhelming force. The text uses this observation to caution rulers about the dangers of unchecked rumor and collective defamation.
💡 Example Usage
面对众口熏天的舆论压力，他始终坚守自己的立场。
Facing the overwhelming pressure of public opinion, he steadfastly held his ground.
🏷️ Category
➕ Similar Idioms
➖ Opposite Idioms
🔤 Quick Facts
- Chinese: 众口熏天
- Pinyin: zhòng kǒu xūn tiān
- Literal Translation: many mouths, fumigate the sky
- Category: Communication
- Characters: 4