Definition
地动山摇 is a four-character idiom (成语) that literally means 'the earth quakes and mountains shake'. It describes a scene of extreme shaking or upheaval — like an earthquake, an explosion, or a massive commotion. Figuratively, it can also describe something earthshaking in impact or significance, such as a major event or a powerful speech. The literal image is vivid, so you'll often see it in news reports or dramatic narratives.
f.e.
earthshakingliterally 'the earth quakes and mountains move' — describes violent shaking or upheaval(figurative) earthshakingmomentousof great impact
Examples
- 地动山摇，。Bàozhà shēng dì dòng shān yáo, zhěng gè chéngshì dōu gǎnjué dào le.The explosion was earthshaking; the whole city felt it.
- 地动山摇。Zhè chǎng gémìng de yǐngxiǎng kěyǐ shuō shì dì dòng shān yáo.The impact of this revolution can be described as earthshaking.
- 地动山摇，。Dìzhèn lái shí dì dòng shān yáo, dàjiā dōu hěn hàipà.When the earthquake came, the earth quaked and mountains shook — everyone was terrified.
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