Chinese Idiom: 飞鸟惊蛇 (Fei Niao Jing She)
English Translation: Birds flying, snakes startled
pīn yīn: fēi niǎo jīng shé
Idiom Meaning: This idiom describes calligraphy that is so graceful and dynamic that it resembles birds soaring and snakes being startled. The strokes of the characters are light and agile like flying birds, yet strong and forceful enough to startle snakes.
Historical Source: “Yunjiji Qian · Zhujia Qifa” (Cloud Cabinet Seven Books · Various Qi Techniques) by Zhang Junfang of the Song Dynasty.
Idiom Story
Shi Yalou was a monk during the Tang Dynasty. He spent his days in the temple, burning incense and chanting sutras. While other monks would secretly play chess or take naps in their free time, Shi Yalou dedicated his spare moments to practicing calligraphy. Sometimes, he would continue his practice late into the night.
Year after year, his skill in writing deepened. Many people who came to the temple to worship also requested his calligraphy, and he always obliged. His cursive script, in particular, was known for its flowing and unrestrained style.
Shi Yalou once wrote eight characters: “飞鸟出林，惊蛇入草” (“Birds fly out of the forest, snakes are startled into the grass!”). This phrase became popular and was later simplified to the idiom “飞鸟惊蛇” (fēi niǎo jīng shé).
This idiom highlights the beauty and power of calligraphy that combines elegance with strength, creating a vivid impression of nature’s dynamism.
