📖 Meaning
Like sitting or lying on a needle-studded felt mat. It describes being extremely restless and anxious, unable to find peace in any position. The idiom conveys a deep sense of unease and psychological torment.
📜 Origin Story
The phrase originates from the Ming Dynasty play "The Righteous Dog" (《义犬》) by Chen Yujiao (陈与郊), specifically the fourth act. In the story, a character named Di Lingqing narrowly escapes death and returns home, counting himself extremely fortunate. Yet his mind remains in such turmoil that he feels as though he is sitting or lying on a mat of needles, unable to settle. The idiom is a variant of the more common "如坐针毡" (like sitting on a needle mat), extending the imagery of discomfort to both sitting and reclining.
💡 Example Usage
自从得知那则消息后，他坐卧针毡，整夜未能合眼。
Ever since hearing that news, he has been on pins and needles, unable to sleep a wink all night.
🏷️ Category
➕ Similar Idioms
➖ Opposite Idioms
🔤 Quick Facts
- Chinese: 坐卧针毡
- Pinyin: zuò wò zhēn zhān
- Literal Translation: sit, lie, needle, felt mat
- Category: Emotion
- Characters: 4