Chinese Idiom: 急如星火 (Ji Ru Xing Huo)
English Translation: As Urgent as Shooting Stars
pīn yīn: jí rú xīng huǒ
Idiom Meaning: This idiom compares an urgent situation to the fleeting nature of a shooting star, symbolizing a pressing need for swift action.
Historical Source: 《陈情表》 by Li Mi, Western Jin Dynasty
Idiom Story:
In his Chenqing Biao, Li Mi addressed Emperor Wu of Jin, explaining his background and the dilemmas he faced. After the establishment of the Jin Dynasty, he had been educated under its enlightened governance and had received numerous recommendations from local officials for various positions. However, due to his grandmother’s lack of support, he declined these offers.
Eventually, the emperor issued an imperial edict appointing him as a Langzhong, and shortly thereafter, he was granted the position of Taizi Xima (a ceremonial title). Aware of the immense grace he received, he felt that no sacrifice would suffice to repay the emperor’s kindness. Thus, he expressed his concerns about being unable to take up the post.
In his letter, he wrote, “The imperial edict is urgent and severe, reprimanding me for attempting to evade my duties. The local officials are pressuring me to depart, and those from the state are knocking at my door, as urgent as shooting stars. I wish to hasten to the capital to fulfill my duty, but my grandmother Liu’s illness is worsening. If I seek to adhere to my personal wishes, I cannot gain approval.”
In this passage, Li Mi poignantly illustrated his predicament, noting that the urgency of the situation felt as immediate as the appearance of shooting stars. This metaphorical language vividly captures the tension and urgency of his circumstances.
As a result, “州司临门，急于星火” (The state officials are at my door, as urgent as shooting stars) has since been simplified and transformed into the idiom “急如星火,” symbolizing any pressing situation that demands swift action.
