声名狼藉
声名狼藉 (shēng míng láng jí) literally means “reputation in tatters” and expresses “public disgrace”. This idiom is used when describing situations involving life philosophy.
Also searched as: sheng ming lang ji, sheng ming lang ji,声名狼藉 meaning, 声名狼藉 in english
Public disgrace
Pronunciation: shēng míng láng jí Literal meaning: Reputation in tatters
Origin & Usage
The idiom 声名狼藉 (shēng míng láng jí) is commonly used in classical Chinese literature to describe a situation where someone's reputation (声名, shēng míng) is in tatters, akin to a wolf's den (狼藉, láng jí) scattered with chaos and disorder. The imagery evokes a vivid picture of a once-respected name now associated with disgrace and scandal. Although the specific historical origin of this idiom is not well-documented, it captures the essence of how public perception can dramatically shift from honor to infamy. In modern usage, 声名狼藉 serves as a cautionary reminder of the fragility of reputation, urging individuals to maintain integrity and avoid actions that could lead to public disgrace.
Examples
English: "His actions led to an infamous reputation that overshadowed any of his previous achievements."
Chinese: 他的行为导致了声名狼藉，掩盖了他之前的成就。
Related Chinese Idioms
Similar idioms about life philosophy
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 声名狼藉 mean in English?
声名狼藉 (shēng míng láng jí) literally translates to “Reputation in tatters” and is used to express “Public disgrace”. This Chinese idiom belongs to the Life Philosophy category.
When is 声名狼藉 used?
Situation: His actions led to an infamous reputation that overshadowed any of his previous achievements.
What is the pinyin for 声名狼藉?
The pinyin pronunciation for 声名狼藉 is “shēng míng láng jí”.