呼风唤雨

1. Basic Information

• Pinyin: hū fēng huàn yǔ
• English Translation: To call the wind and summon the rain; to possess great power; to control things at will
• Idiom Composition: 「呼」（To call）＋「风」（Wind）＋「唤」（To summon, to call forth）＋「雨」（Rain）
• Meaning: Literally means 'to call the wind and summon the rain.' Figuratively, it refers to possessing great power or authority to control natural phenomena, or having the ability to manipulate things freely at will.

2. Detailed Meaning and Nuances

「呼风唤雨」 contains the following nuances:

• Supernatural power: Originally referred to the power or magical abilities held by immortals or spirits to control natural phenomena.
• Great power and influence: Used to describe individuals or organizations that possess extraordinary abilities, power, or influence.
• Dominance or control: Refers to the ability to control situations or matters according to one's wishes.
• Exaggeration: Sometimes used as an exaggeration beyond actual abilities.

3. Usage

「呼风唤雨」 is mainly used in the following contexts:

• Praising a person's ability: Used to describe a person who holds overwhelming power in a certain field.
  • Example:「他在商界呼风唤雨，没有人敢违抗他的命令。」
    （He wields great power in the business world; no one dares to defy his orders.）
• Describing the influence of organizations or groups: Used to describe organizations or groups that possess great power.
  • Example:「这个跨国公司在国际市场上呼风唤雨，拥有巨大的影响力。」
    （This multinational company exerts great influence in the international market.）
• Figurative expression: Used figuratively to express the ability to manipulate things freely.
  • Example:「他在股市上呼风唤雨，赚取了巨额利润。」
    （He manipulated the stock market at will and earned huge profits.）

Additional Examples:

1. 这位导演在电影界呼风唤雨，他的作品总是备受瞩目。
   （This director wields great influence in the film industry, and his works always attract attention.）
2. 当地最大的帮派在这个城市呼风唤雨，无人敢惹。
   （The largest gang in the city holds great power, and no one dares to challenge them.）
3. 他凭借着自己的聪明才智和人脉关系，在政界呼风唤雨。
   （He uses his intelligence and connections to wield great influence in politics.）
4. 这位科学家在学术界呼风唤雨，他的理论被广泛认可。
   （This scientist wields great influence in academia, and his theories are widely recognized.）
5. 她在时尚界呼风唤雨，引领着潮流的方向。
   （She wields great influence in the fashion industry and leads trends.）

4. Cultural Background and Notes

• '呼风唤雨' originates from ancient Chinese mythology and legends, where immortals or spirits were believed to have the power to freely control wind and rain.
• In modern usage, it is mostly used figuratively and rarely in its literal sense.
• It is relatively common in written language and formal contexts.

5. Similar and Opposite Idioms

• Similar Idioms:
  • 力挽狂澜 (lì wǎn kuáng lán): To turn the tide in a critical situation.
  • 扭转乾坤 (niǔ zhuǎn qián kūn): To completely change the situation.
• Opposite Idioms:
  • 无能为力 (wú néng wéi lì): To be powerless and helpless.
  • 束手无策 (shù shǒu wú cè): To be at a complete loss with no solution.

6. Summary

'呼风唤雨' is an idiom that figuratively expresses possessing great power to control natural phenomena or the ability to manipulate things freely. Originating from ancient Chinese mythology and legends, it is mainly used today to describe individuals or organizations with extraordinary abilities or influence. When using this idiom, it is important to understand its exaggerated nuance and apply it appropriately.