📖 Meaning
This idiom literally describes drifting along with the current and losing one's way back. It refers to a person who chases after passing trends and worldly fashion, gradually losing sight of their roots, principles, or original intentions.
📜 Origin Story
The phrase comes from the preface to 《词莂》 (Selections of Ci Poetry), written by the modern scholar 张尔田 (Zhang Ertian) of the late Qing and Republican era. In the preface, Zhang reflects on the evolution of ci poetry, remarking that writers of modest talent may follow passing styles and lose sight of the art's roots, while the anthology itself strives to transcend the times and preserve a declining tradition. The expression likens such people to a traveler who drifts with the current and forgets the way home. It is now used more broadly for anyone who pursues worldly trends and drifts away from their origins.
💡 Example Usage
身处名利场中，他逐宕失返，忘了初心。
Lost in the world of fame and wealth, he drifted with the tide and forgot his original intention.
🏷️ Category
➕ Similar Idioms
➖ Opposite Idioms
🔤 Quick Facts
- Chinese: 逐宕失返
- Pinyin: zhú dàng shī fǎn
- Literal Translation: pursue, drift, lose, return
- Category: Attitude
- Characters: 4