Chinese Idiom: 滂沱大雨 (Pang Tuo Da Yu)
English Translation: Pouring Rain
pīn yīn: páng tuó dà yǔ
Idiom Meaning: Describes heavy rainfall.
Historical Source: From the Book of Songs (诗经), “Xiao Ya” (小雅), specifically the poem “Jian Jian Zhi Shi” (渐渐之石).
Idiom Story:
The poem “渐渐之石” reflects the hardships faced by soldiers during their eastern expedition, expressing their toil and struggles. It consists of three stanzas that repeatedly lament the difficulties of the journey over mountains and rivers, likely penned by junior officers or soldiers themselves.
The stanzas convey the following sentiments:
- High and Steep Rocks: The cliffs are described as steep and perilous, symbolizing the daunting challenges faced by the soldiers. The vast mountains and rivers only amplify their hardships, leaving them without any leisure time on their relentless journey eastward.
- Endless Journey: The soldiers ponder the seemingly endless journey as they venture into the unknown. They express concern over the dangers they might encounter, with no respite in sight.
- Impending Rain: The poem alludes to “white-hoofed pigs wading through the waters,” signaling that heavy rain is imminent. The line about the moon approaching the star Bi signifies an omen of torrential rain.
The concluding lines highlight that the soldiers are primarily preoccupied with the threat of flooding, leaving no room for other concerns.
The phrase “月离于毕，俾滂沱矣” (the moon approaching Bi will bring heavy rain) from the poem later gave rise to the idiom “滂沱大雨,” which vividly describes the phenomenon of heavy rainfall.
