Definition
流离失所 is a four-character idiom (chengyu) that literally means 'to drift, leave, and lose one's place.' It describes the state of being forced to leave one's home and wander without shelter, typically due to war, natural disaster, or social upheaval. The imagery conjures people displaced, wandering aimlessly, and without a place to call home. This expression is formal and commonly used in historical, literary, or news contexts.
f.e.
(chengyu) to be displaced from one's home and wander destitutehomeless and adrift
Examples
- ，。Zhànzhēng shǐ xǔduō rén liú lí shī suǒ, wú jiā kě guī.War caused many people to become displaced and homeless.
- ，流离失所，。Hóngshuǐ guòhòu, cūnmínmen liú lí shī suǒ, shēnghuó shífēn jiānnán.After the flood, the villagers were displaced and their lives were very difficult.
- ，流离失所，。Zài nàge dòngdàng de niándài, wúshù jiātíng liú lí shī suǒ, sìchù piāobó.In that turbulent era, countless families were displaced and wandered everywhere.
Browse more HSK 7-9 words or search the full 43,000-word dictionary.