若无其事(若無其事)

Pronunciation: ruò wú qí shì Literal meaning: As if nothing happened

Origin & Usage

This idiom describes behaving as if (若) there was no (无) such matter (其事). It depicts maintaining a calm or normal demeanor despite significant events. The phrase can indicate admirable composure, calculated concealment, or troubling indifference depending on context. It appeared in classical literature describing characters who maintained equanimity under pressure. Modern usage describes acting normally after notable events, whether positively (composure) or negatively (denial or coldness).

When to Use

Situation: After the argument, he acted as if nothing had occurred.

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