📖 Meaning
A metaphor for a complete rupture in a relationship, leading to open and public quarreling. It describes the moment when people who have been holding back their grievances finally lose face entirely and lash out at each other. The phrase paints a vivid image of a torn face beyond repair.
📜 Origin Story
This idiom originates from the modern Chinese writer Zhang Tianyi's novel 'Qingming Shijie' (Qingming Season), written in the Republican era (early 20th century). In the novel, a character endures grievances and restrains himself from openly clashing with others, saying he has held back from 'scratching faces open' with anyone. The phrase captures the social tension of the era, where maintaining face was paramount, and breaking it signified a point of no return in personal relationships.
💡 Example Usage
她忍了很久，今天终于跟邻居抓破脸子大吵了一架。
After enduring it for a long time, she finally had a bitter falling-out and a big argument with her neighbor.
🏷️ Category
➕ Similar Idioms
➖ Opposite Idioms
🔤 Quick Facts
- Chinese: 抓破脸子
- Pinyin: zhuā pò liǎn zǐ
- Literal Translation: scratch, break, face, son
- Category: Emotion
- Characters: 4