捕风捉影
捕风捉影 (bǔ fēng zhuō yǐng) literally means “catch wind grasp shadow” and expresses “make accusations without solid evidence”. This idiom is used when describing situations involving wisdom and learning.
Also searched as: bu feng zhuo ying, bu feng zhuo ying,捕风捉影 meaning, 捕风捉影 in english
Make accusations without solid evidence
Pronunciation: bǔ fēng zhuō yǐng Literal meaning: Catch wind grasp shadow
Origin & Usage
The Book of Han dismisses a fruitless pursuit in words close to these: listen to such talk and it fills the ear as though the thing were within reach, but go after it and it is 如系风捕景, like tying the wind and catching a shadow, and it is never got. The modern form substitutes catching (捕) for tying and seizing (捉) for catching, and writes the shadow as 影 rather than 景, but the two objects — the wind (风) and the shadow (影) — are unchanged and they are chosen precisely: both are real, both are visible, and neither has substance. Accusations and theories built on nothing anyone can take hold of.
Examples
English: "The investigation was based on rumors with no substantial evidence"
Chinese: 调查是基于没有实质证据的谣言
Related Chinese Idioms
Similar idioms about wisdom & learning
螳螂捕蝉
táng láng bǔ chán
Chasing gain, blind to danger
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风声鹤唳
fēng shēng hè lì
Overly fearful and suspicious
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金风玉露
jīn fēng yù lù
Autumn wind and dew; autumn scenery
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风云突变
fēng yún tū biàn
Sudden dramatic change
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风云际会
fēng yún jì huì
Perfect moment of opportunity
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风月无边
fēng yuè wú biān
Boundless natural beauty and romance
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风雨无阻
fēng yǔ wú zǔ
Persist despite difficult conditions
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风华正茂
fēng huá zhèng mào
At peak of youth's ability
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Frequently Asked Questions
What does 捕风捉影 mean in English?
捕风捉影 (bǔ fēng zhuō yǐng) literally translates to “Catch wind grasp shadow” and is used to express “Make accusations without solid evidence”. This Chinese idiom belongs to the Wisdom & Learning category.
When is 捕风捉影 used?
Situation: The investigation was based on rumors with no substantial evidence
What is the pinyin for 捕风捉影?
The pinyin pronunciation for 捕风捉影 is “bǔ fēng zhuō yǐng”.