boiling moat; hot spring bath
Meanings
2 senses · 7 examplesnoun
boiling water moat; defensive fortification
literaryPrimarily used in the idiom 金城汤池 (jīn chéng tāng chí), meaning 'impregnable fortress'. Historically referred to moats filled with boiling water or liquid as a defensive measure around cities.
This city is tightly defended, truly an impregnable fortress.
In ancient times, there were boiling moats outside city walls serving as defensive works.
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The enemy besieged it for months, but could never break through this impregnable defense.
noun
hot water bath; hot spring pool
Refers to pools or baths filled with hot water, commonly found in spas, hot spring resorts, or bathhouses. Distinct from the defensive moat meaning in modern usage.
This hotel has a very large hot spring bath, with thermal water constantly flowing in.
When enjoying the hot springs, we can sit in the hot pool and relax both body and mind.
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Ancient Romans enjoyed bathing and socializing in public hot baths.
This sanatorium has several herbal hot pools available for visitors.