捕风捉影
bǔ fēng zhuō yǐng
to make claims on the strength of hearsay; to chase shadows
Character by character
捕bǔ
catch
catch
风fēng
wind
wind
捉zhuō
grab
grab
影yǐng
shadow
shadow
Example
这些所谓的“内部消息”大多是捕风捉影，一条也经不起核实。
Most of this so-called inside information is pure speculation; not one item stands up to checking.
Tone: negative (criticism).
Usage and origin
Goes back to an image in 《汉书·郊祀志下》 of something as hard to grasp as tying up the wind and catching shadows (系风捕景). Typical phrases: 捕风捉影的报道, 纯属捕风捉影. Close to 无中生有, but 捕风捉影 at least starts from a rumour.
Learn this in Lesson 192 · HSK 7–9: 热搜与情况通报 (Trending topics and official statements)
A dialogue, a reading, word cards with audio and a drill that uses it, in Learn Chinese with Bao. The first lessons of every level are free.
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