Meaning and Usage
"不翼而飞" literally means "to fly without wings," and it is used metaphorically to describe something that disappears suddenly and mysteriously without leaving any trace. It often refers to lost or stolen items, emphasizing the unexpected and inexplicable nature of the disappearance.
Common Contexts
This phrase is frequently used in everyday conversation when talking about missing belongings, lost documents, or goods that have vanished during transit. It conveys a sense of surprise and sometimes frustration.
Collocations and Patterns
- 不翼而飞 + 了: Indicates that something has already disappeared unexpectedly.
- 物品/钱包/手机 + 不翼而飞: Common collocations with items that go missing.
Usage Notes
When using 不翼而飞, speakers imply that the disappearance is sudden and without any obvious cause or clue. It is more dramatic than simply saying something is lost (丢了). Avoid using it for abstract concepts; it is best suited for tangible objects.
Common Confusion
Do not confuse 不翼而飞 with 失踪 (shīzōng), which is used for people or animals going missing. 不翼而飞 is more poetic and often used for objects.
Meaning and Usage
"不翼而飞" literally means "to fly without wings," and it is used metaphorically to describe something that disappears suddenly and mysteriously without leaving any trace. It often refers to lost or stolen items, emphasizing the unexpected and inexplicable nature of the disappearance.
Common Contexts
This phrase is frequently used in everyday conversation when talking about missing belongings, lost documents, or goods that have vanished during transit. It conveys a sense of surprise and sometimes frustration.
Collocations and Patterns
- 不翼而飞 + 了: Indicates that something has already disappeared unexpectedly.
- 物品/钱包/手机 + 不翼而飞: Common collocations with items that go missing.
Usage Notes
When using 不翼而飞, speakers imply that the disappearance is sudden and without any obvious cause or clue. It is more dramatic than simply saying something is lost (丢了). Avoid using it for abstract concepts; it is best suited for tangible objects.
Common Confusion
Do not confuse 不翼而飞 with 失踪 (shīzōng), which is used for people or animals going missing. 不翼而飞 is more poetic and often used for objects.
Meaning and Usage
"不翼而飞" literally means "to fly without wings," and it is used metaphorically to describe something that disappears suddenly and mysteriously without leaving any trace. It often refers to lost or stolen items, emphasizing the unexpected and inexplicable nature of the disappearance.
Common Contexts
This phrase is frequently used in everyday conversation when talking about missing belongings, lost documents, or goods that have vanished during transit. It conveys a sense of surprise and sometimes frustration.
Collocations and Patterns
- 不翼而飞 + 了: Indicates that something has already disappeared unexpectedly.
- 物品/钱包/手机 + 不翼而飞: Common collocations with items that go missing.
Usage Notes
When using 不翼而飞, speakers imply that the disappearance is sudden and without any obvious cause or clue. It is more dramatic than simply saying something is lost (丢了). Avoid using it for abstract concepts; it is best suited for tangible objects.
Common Confusion
Do not confuse 不翼而飞 with 失踪 (shīzōng), which is used for people or animals going missing. 不翼而飞 is more poetic and often used for objects.