Definition
摇身一变 is a four-character idiom that means to change one's identity, appearance, or role abruptly, often with a negative connotation of deception or opportunism. It literally describes 'shaking the body and transforming in one move' and is commonly used in narratives to highlight a sudden, sometimes suspicious, transformation.
idiom
to suddenly change one's identity or appearance (often deceptively)
Examples
- ,摇身一变。Tā yǐqián shì ge pǔtōng gōngrén, yáo shēn yī biàn chéng le lǎobǎn.He used to be an ordinary worker and suddenly transformed into a boss.
- ,摇身一变。Nà jiā gōngsī běnlái shì ge xiǎo diàn, xiànzài yáo shēn yī biàn biàn chéng le kuàguó gōngsī.That company was originally a small store and now has transformed into a multinational corporation.
- ,摇身一变。Zhè wèi yǎnyuán qù cānjiā jìngxuǎn, yáo shēn yī biàn chéng le zhèngzhì rénwù.This actor ran for office and suddenly became a political figure.
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