screen wall; internal troubles
Meanings
2 senses · 6 examplesnoun
screen wall; short wall facing the gate inside traditional Chinese architecture
archaicOriginally an architectural term referring to the wall inside the gate of palaces or courtyards. This literal sense is now mostly historical or used in academic contexts.
In ancient times, within the screen wall, ministers would gather.
Upon entering one sees the shadow wall, that is what was called xiaoqiang in ancient times.
noun
internal troubles; domestic affairs; trouble arising from within
literaryMetaphorical usage indicating problems originating from within an organization, family, or country. Most commonly appears in set phrases such as 祸起萧墙. This is the dominant usage in modern literary contexts.
Trouble arose from within, and the company's internal strife led to its collapse.
We must strictly guard against internal troubles and strengthen internal unity.
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Crisis arose from within, shaking the imperial court.
Family businesses fear most the disaster of internal strife.