Zen stick and shout; sharp warning that awakens
Tone colorsmāmámǎmàma
Meanings
1 sense · 4 examplesnoun
lit. a blow and a shout to the head (Zen Buddhist method to prompt enlightenment); fig. a sharp warning that awakens one to reality
formalOriginally described the abrupt teaching methods of Zen masters; now commonly used to describe any sudden, harsh criticism or warning that makes someone realize their mistakes or the truth.
Lǎo老
shī师
de的
huà话
rú如
dāng当
tóu头
bàng棒
hè喝
，
ràng让
tā他
dùn顿
shí时
xǐng醒
wù悟
zì自
jǐ己
de的
cuò错
wù误
。
The teacher's words were like a sudden blow to the head, instantly awakening him to his mistakes.
Zhè这
cì次
shī失
bài败
duì对
wǒ我
lái来
shuō说
jiǎn简
zhí直
shì是
dāng当
tóu头
bàng棒
hè喝
，
ràng让
wǒ我
rèn认
qīng清
le了
xiàn现
shí实
de的
cán残
kù酷
。
This failure was simply a rude awakening for me, making me recognize the harshness of reality.
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Fù父
qīn亲
de的
yán严
lì厉
pī批
píng评
yóu犹
rú如
dāng当
tóu头
bàng棒
hè喝
，
shǐ使
tā他
gǎi改
biàn变
le了
yǐ以
wǎng往
lǎn懒
sǎn散
de的
tài态
dù度
。
The father's severe criticism was like a bucket of cold water, causing him to change his previously lazy attitude.
Zhè这
piān篇
bào报
dào道
duì对
chén沉
mí迷
wǎng网
luò络
de的
qīng青
shào少
nián年
ér而
yán言
，
bù不
chì啻
wéi为
yī一
jì记
dāng当
tóu头
bàng棒
hè喝
。
For teenagers addicted to the internet, this report was nothing less than a sobering wake-up call.