Definition
死灰复燃 is a set phrase (成语) meaning 'a revival or resurgence of something that had died down or been suppressed'. The literal image is 'dead ashes burst into flame again'—originally from the Warring States period, it often carries a negative connotation, used for undesirable things like problems, bad practices, or corruption that resurface after being supposedly eliminated.
f.e.
(set phrase) resurgence of something that was thought to be extinguishedrevival (usually of something negative)
Examples
- 死灰复燃，。Zuìjìn zhè zhǒng jiù xísú yǒu sǐ huī fù rán de qūshì, yǐnqǐ le dàjiā de tǎolùn.Recently this old custom has shown signs of resurgence, sparking widespread discussion.
- ，死灰复燃。Zhèngfǔ cǎiqǔ xīn cuòshī, fángzhǐ fǔbài xiànxiàng sǐ huī fù rán.The government has taken new measures to prevent corruption from making a comeback.
- ，死灰复燃。Zhè zhǒng chuánrǎnbìng suīrán yǐjīng kòngzhì zhù le, dàn réng yǒu sǐ huī fù rán de kěnéng.Although this infectious disease has been contained, there is still a possibility of resurgence.
Browse more HSK 7-9 words or search the full 43,000-word dictionary.