Chinese Idiom: 如坐针毡 (Ru Zuo Zhen Zhan)
English Translation: Like sitting on a bed of needles
pīn yīn: rú zuò zhēn zhān
Idiom Meaning: This idiom describes a state of extreme discomfort and anxiety, akin to sitting on a bed of needles. It metaphorically represents feeling restless, uneasy, or on edge.
Historical Source: 《晋书·杜锡传》 (The Book of Jin: Biography of Du Xi).
Idiom Story:
Du Xi was a notable scholar from the Jin Dynasty, born in Jingzhao (modern-day southeastern Xi’an, Shaanxi). Known for his intelligence and erudition from a young age, he gained a reputation and was appointed as an officer to the Crown Prince.
However, Du Xi faced a significant challenge with Prince Min (Mǐn Huái), the Crown Prince at the time. Prince Min was known for his erratic behavior and lack of ambition. Du Xi, concerned for the future of the state, repeatedly offered sincere advice to the Crown Prince in hopes of guiding him towards better conduct and personal improvement.
Unfortunately, Prince Min resented Du Xi’s constant reprimands and was increasingly displeased with him. To retaliate, Prince Min secretly placed needles inside the mat where Du Xi regularly sat. When Du Xi sat down, he was pricked by the needles, causing him significant pain and bleeding.
The discomfort Du Xi felt from sitting on the needles became a metaphor for his emotional and psychological turmoil. From this event, the phrase “如坐针毡” (like sitting on a bed of needles) was coined to describe someone who is extremely restless and anxious, akin to sitting on a bed of sharp needles.
