Definition
This chengyu (four-character idiom) paints a vivid picture of soldiers looming (兵), famine (荒), and horses running wild (马乱) — together symbolizing the complete disarray and suffering that war brings. You can use it to describe any period of violent upheaval, whether historical or metaphorical, where normal order collapses and people are caught in chaos.
f.e.
turmoil and chaos of wara state of upheaval and disorder during armed conflict
Examples
- 兵荒马乱，。Zài nà duàn bīng huāng mǎ luàn de shíqī, bǎixìng de shēnghuó fēicháng tòngkǔ.During that period of war and chaos, the common people's lives were very painful.
- ，兵荒马乱。Lìshǐ shàng, bīng huāng mǎ luàn de shídài wǎngwǎng dài lái jùdà de pòhuài.In history, times of turmoil and chaos of war often bring great destruction.
- 兵荒马乱，。Zhèlǐ céngjīng bīng huāng mǎ luàn, xiànzài yǐjīng huīfù le hépíng.This place was once in the chaos of war, but now it has restored peace.
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