clouds and smoke; fleeting things
Meanings
2 senses · 6 examplesnoun
clouds and smoke; mist and vapour
Refers to the visual mixture of clouds, mist, and smoke, often creating a hazy, ethereal atmosphere in landscapes.
The distant mountains were shrouded in mist and clouds, like a fairyland.
In the morning valley, clouds and smoke filled the air, obscuring the path ahead.
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This painting uses light ink to render the hazy, misty artistic conception of Jiangnan.
noun
fleeting things; ephemeral matters; things that vanish quickly
literaryFigurative usage derived from the idiom 过眼云烟 (things passing before one's eyes like clouds and smoke), describing wealth, past events, or troubles that are transient and insubstantial.
The past is like smoke; everything has already become fleeting clouds.
Wealth and honor are but fleeting clouds passing before the eyes; one need not be too attached to them.
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Those worries are ephemeral like smoke and will soon dissipate.