烁石流金
烁石流金
shuò shí liú jīn ㄕㄨㄛˋ ㄕㄧˊ ㄌㄧㄡˊ ㄐㄧㄣ
[Burning Rocks and Melting Gold]Description:
Describes a situation where it is so hot that rocks seem to be burning up and gold seems to be melting. It refers to extreme heat or intense flames in nature or metaphorically in literature.
Origin:
The phrase "烁石流金" can be traced back to ancient Chinese poetry and prose, often used to depict scenes of scorching sun, raging fires, or other phenomena associated with high temperatures. There are various examples throughout history where this idiom has been employed, each context adding its own nuance to the meaning.
Original Text (Example):
In the poem "On the Heat Wave," by Du Fu (杜甫) during the Tang Dynasty, he writes:
夏日苦炎赫，束薪已成爂。
竹皮何萧瑟，束必走且战。
水激神女庙，火烧光采殿。
烁石流金外，挥汗赤土烂。
赫赫始盛夏，无乃日中天。
左右动明光，吾徒敢怨叹？
This passage illustrates how blazing summer days could turn stones into glowing embers and melt metal, reflecting the oppressive heat wave at the time. The imagery evokes a sense of urgency and discomfort, highlighting the severity of the weather conditions.
Usage:
Today, "烁石流金" remains part of the rich vocabulary of the Chinese language, serving both literal and figurative purposes when describing situations involving intense heat or fiery passion.