不翼而飞
不翼而飞 (bù yì ér fēi) literally means “without wings yet flying” and expresses “sudden disappearance”. This idiom is used when describing situations involving life philosophy.
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Sudden disappearance
Pronunciation: bù yì ér fēi Literal meaning: Without wings yet flying
Origin & Usage
The idiom 不翼而飞 (bù yì ér fēi) is commonly used in classical Chinese literature and conveys the idea of something disappearing suddenly or spreading rapidly. The phrase literally translates to 'without wings yet flying,' illustrating how an object or news can vanish or disseminate unexpectedly. Originating from the text 《管子·戒》, it reflects the notion that words and emotions, though intangible, can have profound and swift impacts. In modern usage, this idiom often describes situations where items go missing mysteriously or information spreads quickly, emphasizing the unpredictable nature of life and communication.
Examples
English: "The news of his sudden success spread like wildfire, as if it had taken flight on its own."
Chinese: 他的成功消息不翼而飞，迅速传遍了整个城市。
Related Chinese Idioms
Similar idioms about life philosophy
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 不翼而飞 mean in English?
不翼而飞 (bù yì ér fēi) literally translates to “Without wings yet flying” and is used to express “Sudden disappearance”. This Chinese idiom belongs to the Life Philosophy category.
When is 不翼而飞 used?
Situation: The news of his sudden success spread like wildfire, as if it had taken flight on its own.
What is the pinyin for 不翼而飞?
The pinyin pronunciation for 不翼而飞 is “bù yì ér fēi”.