Definition
This is a four-character idiom (成语) describing a chaotic scene of utter defeat or disorder. The literal image is of people and horses thrown to the ground — often used to depict a military rout, a messy situation, or complete collapse. Use it when talking about battles, arguments, or any scenario where things fall apart dramatically.
f.e.
suffer utter defeatbe thrown into complete chaos
Examples
- 人仰马翻，。Dírén bèi dǎ de rén yǎng mǎ fān, lángbèi táocuàn.The enemy was utterly defeated and fled in panic.
- ，人仰马翻。Gōngsī nèibù guǎnlǐ hùnluàn, yǐjīng rén yǎng mǎ fān le.The company's internal management is chaotic — it's already a complete mess.
- 人仰马翻，。Zhè chǎng zhēnglùn ràng quán chǎng rén yǎng mǎ fān, shéi yě tīng bù qīng shéi de.This argument threw the whole room into chaos, and no one could hear anyone clearly.
Browse more HSK 7-9 words or search the full 43,000-word dictionary.