一手遮天
一手遮天 (yī shǒu zhē tiān) literally means “hide the sky with one hand” and expresses “conceal the truth”. This idiom is used when describing situations involving life philosophy.
Also searched as: yi shou zhe tian, yi shou zhe tian,一手遮天 meaning, 一手遮天 in english
Conceal the truth
Pronunciation: yī shǒu zhē tiān Literal meaning: Hide the sky with one hand
Origin & Usage
Commonly used in classical Chinese, the idiom 一手遮天 (yī shǒu zhē tiān) vividly illustrates the image of one hand (一手) attempting to cover the sky (遮天). This phrase metaphorically describes the act of using power or deceit to obscure the truth from the masses. The idiom is often used to criticize those in positions of authority who manipulate or conceal information to maintain control. The imagery suggests the impossibility of such an act, as no single hand can truly cover the vast sky, highlighting the futility and arrogance of such attempts. In modern contexts, it serves as a warning against the abuse of power and the importance of transparency.
Examples
English: "He tried to control everything, but his efforts were futile."
Chinese: 他一手遮天，结果却是徒劳无功。
Related Chinese Idioms
Similar idioms about life philosophy
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 一手遮天 mean in English?
一手遮天 (yī shǒu zhē tiān) literally translates to “Hide the sky with one hand” and is used to express “Conceal the truth”. This Chinese idiom belongs to the Life Philosophy category.
When is 一手遮天 used?
Situation: He tried to control everything, but his efforts were futile.
What is the pinyin for 一手遮天?
The pinyin pronunciation for 一手遮天 is “yī shǒu zhē tiān”.