Definition
This is a set phrase (chengyu) that means 'unexpected disasters happen' — literally 'heaven has unpredictable wind and clouds'. It is often used to express that sudden misfortune can strike at any time, emphasizing the unpredictability of life. In full form it pairs with 人有旦夕祸福 (rén yǒu dànxī huòfú, 'man has morning-evening calamity and blessing'). You can use it on its own or as part of the longer proverb to comment on an unforeseen turn of events.
f.e.
(set phrase) an unexpected disastersudden misfortune
Examples
- 天有不测风云，，。Zhēn shì tiān yǒu bù cè fēng yún, tā zuótiān hái hǎohǎo de, jīntiān jiù zhùyuàn le.It's really true that misfortune is unpredictable; he was fine yesterday and today he was hospitalized.
- 天有不测风云，。tiān yǒu bù cè fēng yún, shuí yě xiǎng bú dào yì cháng dà yǔ huì bǎ qiáo chōng kuǎ.Disasters are unpredictable; nobody could have imagined that a heavy rain would wash away the bridge.
- ，天有不测风云。Wǒmen yào yǒu xīnlǐ zhǔnbèi, tiān yǒu bù cè fēng yún.We need to be mentally prepared, because disasters are unpredictable.
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