Definition
开天辟地 (kāi tiān pì dì) is an idiom from the Pangu creation myth, literally 'split heaven and separate earth'. Figuratively, it describes something utterly unprecedented and foundational — the very first of its kind. It differs from 惊天动地 (world-shaking, emphasizing shock and impact) and 划时代 (epoch-making, marking a turning point) by stressing absolute originality and a new beginning.
idiom
to split heaven and earth apart — from the Pangu creation myth
phrase
(figurative) to create something unprecedentedearth-shatteringepoch-making
Examples
- 开天辟地。Pángǔ kāi tiān pì dì de chuánshuō zài Zhōngguó jiā yù hù xiǎo.The legend of Pangu splitting heaven and earth is known in every household in China.
- 开天辟地。Zhè zhēn shì yí jiàn kāi tiān pì dì de dà shì.This is truly an earth-shattering event.
- 开天辟地。Zhè xiàng fāmíng kěyǐ shuō shì kāi tiān pì dì de chuàngjǔ.This invention can be called a pioneering creation.
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