众口铄金
众口铄金 (zhòng kǒu shuò jīn) literally means “many mouths melt gold” and expresses “public opinion is powerful”. This idiom is used when describing situations involving life philosophy.
Also searched as: zhong kou shuo jin, zhong kou shuo jin,众口铄金 meaning, 众口铄金 in english
Public opinion is powerful
Pronunciation: zhòng kǒu shuò jīn Literal meaning: Many mouths melt gold
Origin & Usage
This powerful metaphor suggests that numerous (众) mouths (口) speaking together can melt (铄) even gold (金). Originating in the Han Dynasty, it reflects the ancient Chinese understanding of public opinion's force. The image of collective voices generating enough heat to melt precious metal dramatically illustrates how widespread discussion can reshape even seemingly unalterable truths. Historical texts show its use in political discourse, warning rulers about the power of public sentiment. Modern applications emphasize how persistent public opinion can transform established reputations or challenge seemingly immutable facts.
Examples
English: "The social media campaign succeeded in changing the company's policy"
Chinese: 社交媒体运动成功改变了公司的政策
Related Chinese Idioms
Similar idioms about life philosophy
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 众口铄金 mean in English?
众口铄金 (zhòng kǒu shuò jīn) literally translates to “Many mouths melt gold” and is used to express “Public opinion is powerful”. This Chinese idiom belongs to the Life Philosophy category.
When is 众口铄金 used?
Situation: The social media campaign succeeded in changing the company's policy
What is the pinyin for 众口铄金?
The pinyin pronunciation for 众口铄金 is “zhòng kǒu shuò jīn”.
Curated Lists Featuring 众口铄金
12 Essential Chinese Idioms for HSK 4 Learners
Key Chinese idioms every HSK 4 student should know - commonly tested chengyu for intermediate learners.
10 Chinese Idioms About Overcoming Adversity
Powerful Chinese idioms about facing hardship, enduring struggles, and emerging stronger from challenges.
10 Chinese Idioms for Writers & Authors
Literary Chinese idioms about writing, storytelling, and the craft of creating with words.