Chinese Idiom: 捕风捉影 (Bu Feng Zhuo Ying)
English Translation: Catching the Wind and Grasping Shadows
pīn yīn: bǔ fēng zhuō yǐng
Idiom Meaning: This idiom refers to actions or statements made without solid evidence or basis, often implying that one is creating falsehoods or rumors out of nothing.
Historical Source: From the Book of Han (汉书), specifically in the section on Sacrifices.
Idiom Story:
During the Western Han Dynasty, under the reign of Emperor Cheng, there lived a notable official named Gu Yong, who held positions such as the Minister of Rituals and the Grand Minister of Agriculture. Emperor Cheng ascended the throne at the age of twenty but, as he reached his forties, he still had no children. Eager for an heir, he began to heed the advice of sorcerers and became obsessed with worshipping deities and spirits.
Many who presented petitions to Emperor Cheng, discussing the significance of these rituals or the paths to immortality, were easily rewarded with high ranks and wealth. Fueled by these claims, the emperor spent lavishly on extravagant ceremonies in the Shanglin Garden outside Chang’an, hoping to gain divine blessings. However, these efforts yielded no tangible results.
Gu Yong, concerned about the emperor’s misguided faith, submitted a letter, asserting, “It is said that those who truly understand the nature of heaven and earth cannot be deceived by the supernatural; wise individuals cannot be led astray by the misdeeds of others. Yet, some people passionately speak of immortals and ghosts, promoting the rites, claiming there are beings who consume elixirs of life and have lifespans as long as the South Mountain. Their words create beautiful visions, as if one might soon encounter these immortals. But if you seek them, they are as elusive as trying to catch the wind or grasp a shadow.”
Gu Yong further illustrated his point with historical examples: he recounted how the historian Chang Hong of the Zhou Dynasty attempted to use rituals to assist King Ling, only for the royal family to face greater decline and rebellion among the vassal states. Similarly, King Huai of Chu hosted grand ceremonies to pray for divine support against the Qin army, yet he was defeated and taken captive. After unifying the realm, Emperor Qin Shi Huang sent Xu Fu to the sea to search for immortals and elixirs, but Xu Fu never returned, drawing public ire.
In conclusion, Gu Yong warned, “Throughout history, emperors have relied on their noble status and vast wealth to seek divine beings and immortals. Despite years of searching, they have never seen any result. I urge you not to allow those of questionable character to interfere with court affairs.”
Emperor Cheng recognized the wisdom in Gu Yong’s advice and accepted his counsel. This episode underscores the caution against baseless beliefs and actions driven by superstition, giving rise to the idiom 捕风捉影, symbolizing the futility of chasing after shadows and illusions.
