落花流水
落花流水 (luò huā liú shuǐ) literally means “falling flowers and flowing water”and expresses “utter defeat; scattered in disarray”.This idiom is used when describing situations involving strategy & action.
Also searched as: luo hua liu shui, luo hua liu shui,落花流水 meaning, 落花流水 in english
Pronunciation: luò huā liú shuǐ Literal meaning: Falling flowers and flowing water
Origin & Usage
This poetic idiom originally described the beautiful natural scene of fallen petals floating on flowing streams, appearing in Tang Dynasty poetry as an image of transient beauty. However, its meaning evolved to describe utter defeat or disarray, like flowers scattered helplessly by water currents. The transformation from aesthetic appreciation to military metaphor occurred during the Song Dynasty. Modern usage primarily describes crushing defeats or chaotic retreats, though it occasionally retains its original poetic sense in literary contexts.
When to Use
Situation: The army was utterly defeated and scattered in all directions.
Discover a new Chinese idiom every day with our iOS app.
Related Chinese Idioms
Similar idioms about strategy & action
万无一失
wàn wú yī shī
Absolutely sure; foolproof
Learn more →
密不透风
mì bù tòu fēng
Airtight; impenetrable
Learn more →
天罗地网
tiān luó dì wǎng
Inescapable net; dragnet
Learn more →
势在必行
shì zài bì xíng
Be imperative; must be done
Learn more →
稳扎稳打
wěn zhā wěn dǎ
Proceed steadily; consolidate before advancing
Learn more →
欲擒故纵
yù qín gù zòng
Give slack before tightening; let go to catch
Learn more →
围魏救赵
wéi wèi jiù zhào
Relieve pressure by attacking the source
Learn more →
以退为进
yǐ tuì wéi jìn
Strategic retreat for ultimate victory
Learn more →
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 落花流水 mean in English?
落花流水 (luò huā liú shuǐ) literally translates to “Falling flowers and flowing water”and is used to express “Utter defeat; scattered in disarray”. This Chinese idiom belongs to theStrategy & Action category..
When is 落花流水 used?
Situation: The army was utterly defeated and scattered in all directions.
What is the pinyin for 落花流水?
The pinyin pronunciation for 落花流水 is “luò huā liú shuǐ”.