東窗事發
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Chinese[edit]
east | shutter; window | matter; thing; item matter; thing; item; work; affair |
to send out; to show (one's feeling); to issue to send out; to show (one's feeling); to issue; to develop | ||
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trad. (東窗事發) | 東 | 窗 | 事 | 發 | |
simp. (东窗事发) | 东 | 窗 | 事 | 发 |
Etymology[edit]
From a folklore about the Southern Song politician Qin Hui, recorded in 《西湖遊覽志餘》 (circa 1550). He was said to have schemed the murder of the contemporary military general Yue Fei under the east window (東窗) of his house, for which he was punished in hell after death.[1]
Pronunciation[edit]
Verb[edit]
東窗事發
- (of a plot) to come to light; to be exposed