Definition
凭空捏造 is a four-character idiom (成语) meaning 'to fabricate something out of thin air' — to make up a story, accusation, or fact with no basis in reality. The literal image is 'pinching and creating something while relying on empty space'. You use it to criticize someone for inventing false information, often in legal, journalistic, or interpersonal contexts.
f.e.
to fabricate (a story, accusation, etc.) with no factual basisto make something out of nothing
Examples
- 凭空捏造，。Zhèxiē zhǐkòng wánquán shì píng kōng niē zào, méiyǒu rènhé zhèngjù zhīchí.These accusations are completely fabricated, with no evidence to support them.
- 凭空捏造，。Jìzhě bùnéng píng kōng niē zào xīnwén, bìxū jīyú shìshí bàodào.Journalists cannot fabricate news; they must report based on facts.
- 凭空捏造。Tā píng kōng niē zào le yí gè gùshi lái bóqǔ tóngqíng.He fabricated a story to gain sympathy.
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