Definition
不寒而栗 is a four-character idiom (成语) meaning 'to shudder without being cold' — it describes a visceral, involuntary fear reaction, like a chill running down your spine. The literal image is 'not cold yet shiver,' and it's used for fear that's deep and instinctive, not just nervousness. You'll find it in formal writing, news, and literature, not casual conversation.
id.
to shudder with fearto be terrified (lit. 'shiver without being cold')
Examples
- ，不寒而栗。Tīng dào nà ge kǒngbù de gùshi, tā gǎndào bù hán ér lì.Hearing that horror story, he felt a chill of fear.
- ，不寒而栗。Miàn duì rúcǐ cánrěn de zuìxíng, suǒyǒu rén dōu bù hán ér lì.Faced with such cruel crimes, everyone shuddered with fear.
- 不寒而栗。Tā nà zhǒng yīn lěng de xiàoróng ràng rén bù hán ér lì.That cold, sinister smile of his made people tremble with fear.
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