public opinion can melt metal; many voices confuse right and wrong
Tone colorsmāmámǎmàma
Meanings
1 sense · 3 examplesidiom
public opinion is powerful enough to melt metal; the voice of the many can confound truth and falsehood
literaryOriginating from 'Strategies of the Warring States' (《战国策•魏策一》). 铄 means to melt (熔化). Often used to warn against the dangers of rumors or the overwhelming power of public opinion.
Zhòng众
kǒu口
shuò铄
jīn金
，
jī积
huǐ毁
xiāo销
gǔ骨
。
Public opinion can melt metal; accumulated slander can destroy bones.
Wǎng网
luò络
shàng上
de的
yáo谣
yán言
zhēn真
shì是
zhòng众
kǒu口
shuò铄
jīn金
，
ràng让
rén人
nán难
yǐ以
fēn分
biàn辨
zhēn真
xiàng相
。
The rumors online truly demonstrate how public opinion can melt metal, making it difficult to distinguish the truth.
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Cháng常
yán言
dào道
zhòng众
kǒu口
shuò铄
jīn金
，
zhè这
huà话
què确
shí实
bù不
jiǎ假
。
As the saying goes, public opinion can melt metal—this is indeed true.