Chinese Idiom: 万马齐喑 (Wan Ma Qi Yin)
English Translation: Ten thousand horses in silence
pīn yīn: wàn mǎ qí yīn
Idiom Meaning: This idiom is used to describe a situation where everyone remains silent, offers no suggestions, or does not voice their opinions. It conveys a sense of collective muteness or stagnation.
Historical Source: Jihai Zashi (《己亥杂诗·九州生气恃风雷》) by Gong Zizhen (龚自珍) from the Qing Dynasty.
Idiom Story:
Gong Zizhen, a passionate patriot during the Qing Dynasty, devoted much of his work to advocating for reform and national revitalization. Despite his efforts, his ideas were rejected by the ruling elite and criticized by conservative factions. Frustrated by the lack of support and the ongoing attacks from opponents of reform, Gong Zizhen decided to resign from his official position and return to his hometown.
As he left Beijing in the summer of 1839, Gong Zizhen observed the decline in commerce, the desolation of farmland, and the suffering of the people. His journey was marked by a sense of deep sorrow and frustration at the state of the nation.
One summer day, as Gong Zizhen arrived in Zhenjiang, Jiangsu Province, he saw a large crowd at an ancient temple by the Yangtze River. The people, dressed in traditional robes, were praying for rain due to a severe drought. Upon recognizing Gong Zizhen, a Taoist priest asked him to compose a prayer for the gods.
Reflecting on the broader issues of societal decline and the stagnation of reform efforts, Gong Zizhen was moved to act. He wrote a powerful four-line poem expressing his anguish and calling for a transformative change to revive the country. His poem lamented the oppressive silence and urged the heavens to send talented reformers to address the nation’s problems.
The phrase “万马齐喑” (ten thousand horses in silence) from his poem became an idiom, symbolizing a state of complete silence or inactivity, particularly in contexts where active voices and suggestions are desperately needed.
