story fear trauma sensitivity vigilance

"惊弓之鸟" (jīng gōng zhī niǎo) - A Bird Startled by the Bow

惊弓之鸟

A bird startled by the mere twang of a bow; a person who is easily frightened due to past experiences.

Origins and Historical Context

The idiom "惊弓之鸟" (jīng gōng zhī niǎo) originates from the Strategies of the Warring States (Zhanguo Ce 战国策), specifically the "Strategies of Chu IV" (楚策四).

The story goes: During the Warring States period, there was a skilled archer named Geng Ying (更羸). One day, he saw a bird flying in the sky. Without using his bow and arrow, he simply twanged his bowstring. The bird immediately fell to the ground. The king was surprised and asked why. Geng Ying explained that the bird had been previously wounded by an arrow. The mere sound of the bowstring reminded it of its past trauma, causing it to fall from fear.

This story illustrates how past experiences, especially traumatic ones, can have a lasting impact on behavior.

Meaning and Usage

"惊弓之鸟" literally translates to "frightened bow's bird." It describes someone who is easily startled or frightened due to a past traumatic experience. It is used to describe people who are overly cautious or apprehensive because of something that happened to them previously.

  • Example (After a car accident): “自从上次出了车祸，他现在开车总是小心翼翼的，像一只惊弓之鸟。” (“Zì cóng shàng cì chū le chē huò, tā xiànzài kāi chē zǒng shì xiǎoxīn yìyì de, xiàng yī zhī jīng gōng zhī niǎo.”) – “Ever since the last car accident, he is always very cautious when driving, like a bird startled by the bow.”

  • Example (After a bad relationship): “经历了一段失败的感情后，她对新的感情总是很谨慎，像一只惊弓之鸟。” (“Jīnglì le yī duàn shībài de gǎnqíng hòu, tā duì xīn de gǎnqíng zǒng shì hěn jǐnshèn, xiàng yī zhī jīng gōng zhī niǎo.”) – “After experiencing a failed relationship, she is always very cautious about new relationships, like a bird startled by the bow.”

Cultural Significance of Chéngyǔ (成语)

"惊弓之鸟" highlights the lasting impact of:

  • Trauma and Fear: It emphasizes how past experiences can shape future behavior and create lasting anxieties.
  • Empathy and Understanding: It encourages understanding and compassion towards those who have experienced trauma.
  • 杯弓蛇影 (bēi gōng shé yǐng): Mistaking the reflection of a bow in a cup for a snake; excessive suspicion.
  • 一朝被蛇咬，十年怕井绳 (yī zhāo bèi shé yǎo, shí nián pà jǐng shéng): Once bitten by a snake, one is afraid of rope for ten years; once bitten, twice shy.