风云突变

Pronunciation: fēng yún tū biàn
Literal meaning: Wind cloud sudden change

Origin & Usage

This dramatic idiom captures the sudden (突) change (变) in wind (风) and clouds (云), drawing from ancient Chinese meteorological observations. Originated during the Tang Dynasty in military texts describing battlefield conditions, it reflects the Chinese understanding of natural forces as omens. The swift transformation of weather became a metaphor for rapid shifts in circumstances beyond human control. Contemporary usage extends to any abrupt change in situation, from political upheavals to market fluctuations, emphasizing both the unpredictability and interconnectedness of events.

Examples

English: "The market landscape changed completely after the new regulations"

Chinese: 新规定出台后，市场格局完全改变了

---

Discover a new Chinese idiom every day with our iOS app.