incantation to control Sun Wukong; metaphor for restrictive rules or pressure
Meanings
2 senses · 5 examplesnoun
the Tight-Fillet Spell; the incantation used by the monk Tripitaka to subdue Sun Wukong
literaryLiteral usage. Refers specifically to the magic words that cause the golden fillet on Sun Wukong's head to tighten, causing him great pain and forcing him to obey.
Whenever Tripitaka recited the Tight-Fillet Spell, Sun Wukong would writhe on the ground in agony.
This golden fillet, when combined with the Tight-Fillet Spell, could completely control Sun Wukong.
noun
something that restricts or binds a person; shackles; a metaphorical constraint
neutralFigurative usage, extremely common in modern language. Refers to rules, regulations, promises, or social pressures that feel restrictive and inescapable.
This contract feels like a binding spell to me.
Parents' excessively high expectations have become a psychological constraint for the child.
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He sees the company's rules and regulations as shackles, always wanting to break free.