东窗事发
东窗事发 (dōng chuāng shì fā) literally means “east window plot exposed” and expresses “plot revealed”. This idiom is used when describing situations involving life philosophy.
Also searched as: dong chuang shi fa, dong chuang shi fa,东窗事发 meaning, 东窗事发 in english
Plot revealed
Pronunciation: dōng chuāng shì fā Literal meaning: East window plot exposed
Origin & Usage
Qin Hui, chancellor of the Southern Song, is said to have plotted beneath the east window (东窗) with his wife to destroy the general Yue Fei, who was duly executed on a fabricated charge. After Qin Hui's death a medium reported meeting him among the punished dead, with a message for his wife: the business under the east window has come out (事发). Yue Fei remains a national hero and Qin Hui a national byword. The phrase is used when a concealed scheme surfaces, and it carries the implication of deserved exposure.
Examples
English: "The secret plans were exposed due to careless mistakes."
Chinese: 秘密计划因粗心大意而暴露。
Related Chinese Idioms
Similar idioms about life philosophy
十年寒窗
shí nián hán chuāng
Diligent study
Learn more →
福如东海
fú rú dōng hǎi
May your good fortune be boundless
Learn more →
紫气东来
zǐ qì dōng lái
Good fortune is on its way
Learn more →
恭喜发财
gōng xǐ fā cái
Wishing you a prosperous New Year
Learn more →
鹤发童颜
hè fà tóng yán
Youthful despite old age
Learn more →
千钧一发
qiān jūn yī fà
Extreme danger
Learn more →
好事多磨
hǎo shì duō mó
Good things come with setbacks
Learn more →
万事如意
wàn shì rú yì
May everything go the way you want
Learn more →
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 东窗事发 mean in English?
东窗事发 (dōng chuāng shì fā) literally translates to “East window plot exposed” and is used to express “Plot revealed”. This Chinese idiom belongs to the Life Philosophy category.
When is 东窗事发 used?
Situation: The secret plans were exposed due to careless mistakes.
What is the pinyin for 东窗事发?
The pinyin pronunciation for 东窗事发 is “dōng chuāng shì fā”.