Chinese Idiom: 满城风雨 (Man Cheng Feng Yu)
English Translation: The City is Full of Wind and Rain
pīn yīn: mǎn chéng fēng yǔ
Idiom Meaning: This idiom metaphorically describes how once something happens, it spreads quickly, causing a sensation and sparking widespread discussion.
Historical Source: From Cold Studio Night Talks (《冷斋夜话》) by Shi Huihong during the Northern Song Dynasty.
Idiom Story:
Pan Dalin, a resident of Huangzhou (now Huanggang City in Hubei Province), was diligent in his studies and skilled in poetry, composing many excellent poems throughout his life. One autumn day, while lying on his bed with his eyes closed, he was suddenly captivated by the beautiful sound of wind and rain beating against the trees outside. Inspired, he began to write poetry. However, just as he penned the line, “The city is full of wind and rain near Chongyang,” a rent collector barged into his room, interrupting his creative flow. His inspiration was shattered, and he could no longer continue the poem.
Coincidentally, around that time, his friend Xie Wuyi from Linchuan (now Linchuan County in Jiangxi Province) sent him a letter inquiring about any new works. Pan Dalin promptly replied, sharing this incident with Xie, stating: “The scenery since autumn has provided me with many beautiful lines of poetry, only regretting that they are overshadowed by the mundane. Yesterday, as I lay idly, I listened to the sound of the wind and rain hitting the trees outside, and I rose to write on the wall: ‘The city is full of wind and rain near Chongyang.’ Suddenly, the rent collector intruded, ruining my poetic mood, so I can only send you this line.”
Thus, the idiom “满城风雨” originated from this story. Initially, it was often used to describe natural scenery, but over time, it has taken on a pejorative meaning, referring to the swift spread of news or events that provoke widespread commentary.
