Definition
This is a four-character idiom (成语) that literally means 'to return with feathers singed' — a vivid image from falconry where a bird's feathers are trimmed so it can't fly high. You use it to describe someone coming back disappointed after a failed attempt or a lost competition, often in formal or literary contexts. It's not used in casual conversation; you'll see it in news headlines, sports commentary, or business writing.
idiom
to return in defeat or disappointmentto come back empty-handed after a failure
Examples
- ，铩羽而归。Zhè cì bǐsài tāmen suīrán nǔlì le, zuìhòu háishì shā yǔ ér guī.They tried hard in this competition, but in the end they returned in defeat.
- ，铩羽而归。Nà jiā gōngsī jìngbiāo shībài, zhǐ néng shā yǔ ér guī.That company lost the bid and had to return empty-handed.
- ，铩羽而归。Tā dài zhe xióngxīn zhuàngzhì qù chuàngyè, què shā yǔ ér guī.He started his business with great ambition, but returned in disappointment.
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