每天成语
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岂有此理

*The explanations on this page are generated by AI. Please note that they may contain inaccurate information.

1. Basic Information

  • Pinyin: qǐ yǒu cǐ lǐ
  • English Translation: How can such a thing be? (Outrageous / Preposterous)
  • Idiom Composition: 「岂」（How (used in rhetorical questions to imply a strong negative).）＋「有」（To have or to exist.）＋「此」（This or such.）＋「理」（Reason, logic, or principle.）
  • Meaning: A rhetorical expression meaning 'How can there be such logic?' It is used to express strong indignation, anger, or disbelief at something that is completely unreasonable, unfair, or absurd.

2. Detailed Meaning and Nuances

「岂有此理」 contains the following nuances:

  • Strong Rhetorical Negation: By using the rhetorical particle 岂 (qǐ), the phrase is much stronger than a simple 'this is wrong.' It implies that the situation is so illogical that it shouldn't even exist.
  • Expression of Indignation: The core of this idiom is not just pointing out a logical error, but expressing deep anger and resentment toward someone's attitude or unfair demands.
  • Independent Exclamation: While it can be used within a sentence, it is very common to hear it shouted as a standalone phrase: 真是岂有此理！ (zhēn shì qǐ yǒu cǐ lǐ!), meaning 'This is absolutely intolerable!'

3. Usage

「岂有此理」 is mainly used in the following contexts:

  • Protesting Unfair Treatment: Used when you or others are treated unfairly or framed for something, emphasizing the injustice of the situation.
    • Example:「明明是他犯的错，却要我来承担责任，真是岂有此理！」
      （It was clearly his mistake, but he's making me take the blame—this is outrageous!）
  • Shock at Absurd Behavior: Used to express a mix of anger and disbelief when someone's words or actions go far beyond the bounds of common sense.
    • Example:「借了钱不但不还，还反过来说我小气，简直是岂有此理。」
      （Not only did he not pay back the money, but he called me stingy; it's simply preposterous.）
  • Adjectival Use for Extreme Unreasonableness: Used within a sentence structure like 'too... (太...了)' to describe a situation that has exceeded the limits of what is acceptable.
    • Example:「这种毫无根据的指控太岂有此理了。」
      （Such baseless accusations are simply too much to bear.）

Additional Examples:

  1. 岂有此理！我从未见过如此厚颜无耻之人。
    （How can this be! I have never seen such a thick-skinned and shameless person.）
  2. 不但迟到两个小时，还没有一句道歉，真是岂有此理。
    （Being two hours late without a single word of apology is truly unheard of.）
  3. 这种霸王条款简直是岂有此理，我们绝不能接受。
    （Such a one-sided contract is simply outrageous, and we absolutely cannot accept it.）
  4. 好心帮你反而被你责怪，天下哪有这种道理？真是岂有此理！
    （I helped you out of kindness and you blame me instead? What kind of logic is that? It's totally absurd!）

4. Cultural Background and Notes

  • Emotional Intensity: This is a very strong expression. It is not used lightly in casual conversation but is reserved for moments of genuine anger or formal protests against injustice.
  • Historical Origin: The phrase originates from the Book of Southern Qi (南齐书 / Nán Qí Shū). It was used by Yu Cong (虞悰) to lament the extraordinary and unreasonable situation of an emperor being deposed, asking how such a thing could be allowed in the world.
  • Modern Usage: You will frequently encounter this in TV dramas during heated arguments or in social media comments reacting to news about blatant corruption or unfairness.

5. Similar and Opposite Idioms

6. Summary

The idiom 岂有此理 (qǐ yǒu cǐ lǐ) is a powerful way to condemn behavior or situations that defy common sense or morality. It literally asks how such a logic could possibly exist, implying that the situation is **outrageous** or **preposterous**. It is frequently used as an exclamation to voice strong protest against injustice or absurdity.

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