不翼而飞

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。