不寒而栗

1. Basic Information

• Pinyin: bù hán ér lì
• English Translation: Shivering without being cold (to make one's blood run cold)
• Idiom Composition: 「不」（not）＋「寒」（cold）＋「而」（yet / but）＋「栗」（to shiver or tremble (in this context, synonymous with 慄)）
• Meaning: To tremble or shudder not from the cold, but out of extreme fear, shock, or dread. It describes a visceral, physiological reaction to a terrifying sight, memory, or realization.

2. Detailed Meaning and Nuances

「不寒而栗」 contains the following nuances:

• Psychological Dread: The idiom emphasizes that the shivering is caused by mental pressure, shock, or terror rather than physical temperature.
• Physiological Reaction: It is used when fear is so intense that it manifests as a physical shudder, trembling, or goosebumps.

3. Usage

「不寒而栗」 is mainly used in the following contexts:

• Recalling Terrifying Events: Used to describe the lingering fear or trauma when remembering a past disaster or accident.
  • Example:「一想起那场可怕的车祸，我就不寒而栗。」
    （Whenever I think of that horrific car accident, I shudder with fear.）
• Cruel or Harsh Situations: Used when witnessing brutal methods, oppressive power, or severe punishments.
  • Example:「看到这种残忍的手段，在场的人都感到不寒而栗。」
    （Seeing such a brutal method made everyone present feel a chill down their spine.）
• Anxiety About the Future: Used when imagining a terrible outcome or the gravity of a potential disaster.
  • Example:「后果之严重，简直让人不寒而栗。」
    （The severity of the consequences is enough to make one's blood run cold.）

Additional Examples:

1. 那种阴森的眼神让人看了不寒而栗。
   （That sinister look in his eyes made people shudder.）
2. 听到这个消息，我不禁不寒而栗。
   （Hearing the news, I couldn't help but feel a chill of terror.）
3. 这部恐怖电影的情节让人不寒而栗。
   （The plot of this horror movie makes people tremble with fear.）
4. 只要想到可能发生的后果，我就不寒而栗。
   （Just thinking about the possible consequences makes me shiver.）

4. Cultural Background and Notes

• This idiom originates from the Records of the Grand Historian (史记), specifically the 'Biographies of Harsh Officials' (酷吏列传). During the reign of Emperor Wu of Han (汉武帝), an official named Yi Zong (义纵) executed over 400 prisoners in a single day. Upon hearing of his extreme severity, the people of the prefecture were said to have 'shivered without being cold.'
• Orthography Note: The character 栗 (lì) means 'to shiver' in this context, but it is also the common character for 'chestnut.' It is frequently confused with the similar-looking character 粟 (sù), which means 'millet.' The correct form must use the 'chestnut' character: 不寒而栗 (bù hán ér lì).
• Nuance: This expression is much stronger than the basic word for 'scared' (害怕 - hài pà); it implies a deep, visceral reaction of horror or dread.

5. Similar and Opposite Idioms

• Similar Idioms:
  • 毛骨悚然 (máo gǔ sǒng rán): To be absolutely terrified, such that one's hair stands on end and bones feel a chill.
  • 胆战心惊 (dǎn zhàn xīn jīng): To be trembling with fear; literally, 'the liver shakes and the heart is startled.'
  • 触目惊心 (chù mù jīng xīn): The sight is shocking and frightening.link
  • 提心吊胆 (tí xīn diào dǎn): To be in a state of anxiety and fear.link
• Opposite Idioms:
  • 临危不惧 (lín wēi bú jù): To remain undaunted and fearless even when facing extreme danger.
  • 泰然自若 (tài rán zì ruò): To remain perfectly calm and composed as if nothing has happened.
  • 从容不迫 (cóng róng bù pò): Calm and unhurried.link

6. Summary

The idiom 不寒而栗 (bù hán ér lì) vividly describes the sensation of 'shuddering with fear.' It is used when someone feels a chill down their spine or physically trembles due to a horrific scene or the anticipation of a dire outcome. It emphasizes a fear so deep that it manifests physically.