The following excerpt is from "Xiaoyu's Blog". I think it is very reasonable. If anyone has used breast enhancement products, they might have learned something useful. Hence, I quote it here for record:
Chinese idioms have a long history. During their long evolution, people often interpret them literally without delving deeper into their meanings. As a result, these terms have greatly deviated from their original meanings, sometimes even becoming completely wrong. The long-term and collective hearsay has gradually obscured the original appearance of these idioms.
(1) July Fire Flow (Originally meant "the weather turns cooler"; later generations misinterpreted it as "in the height of summer, the sky is ablaze" — why is the sky so hot? Because there's too much fuel.)
This idiom comes from the Book of Songs, Guofeng, Binfeng: "In July, the fire flows; in September, clothes are given." "July" refers to the seventh month of the lunar calendar; "flow" means movement or falling; "fire" refers to the star "Great Fire Star." The Great Fire Star is a famous red giant that emits a fiery red light. Every year, during the fifth month of the lunar calendar at dusk, it is located directly south, at its highest point. In the seventh month of the lunar calendar at dusk, the position of the Great Fire Star moves westward from the zenith, indicating that the heat is gradually retreating and autumn is approaching. People refer to this phenomenon as "July Fire Flow." Therefore, the true meaning of "July Fire Flow" is that in the seventh month of the lunar calendar, the weather gradually cools down, and at dusk, one can see the Great Fire Star setting in the west. These two lines from the Binfeng poem say: "The weather is getting cooler, it's time to make cotton clothes."
(2) Saha World (A Buddhist term, often mistakenly altered into "Bossa World" — Goodness me! The Buddha is very upset, the consequences are serious!)
According to Buddhist teachings, the world where people live, known as the "Saha World," is led by the Buddha Shakyamuni. "Saha" is a transliteration of Sanskrit, also translated as "Sokho" or "Sahar." It means "endurable." There are two layers of meaning: one layer indicates that the sentient beings in the "Saha World" bear heavy sins and must endure various afflictions and hardships; hence, the "Saha World" can also be translated as "Endurance Land" and is referred to as the "Five Troubled Worlds," which contrasts with the "Pure Land" advocating "seizing the day for pleasure." Here, various sins are easily generated; thus, it is said that "in the great thousand worlds, nothing is impossible." Another layer of meaning refers to the fact that Buddhas and Bodhisattvas like Shakyamuni are highly patient and diligent, tirelessly educating sentient beings in the impure "Saha World," demonstrating great wisdom, compassion, and courage.
(3) Wind through an empty hole (Originally referred to something based on evidence, but was later changed to mean baseless — truly "furious lies.")
This idiom originates from Song Yu, a Chu native, in his "Wind Ode," where he wrote: "Because of the twisted branches of the citrus tree, birds build nests; because of the empty holes, wind comes through." This phrase is a quotation from his teacher Qu Yuan: due to the twisted branches of the citrus tree, it attracts birds to build nests; because of the empty holes, wind is drawn in. Bai Juyi accurately used this phrase in his poetry: "Corrupt trees inevitably attract worms; empty holes easily invite wind." According to this explanation, "empty hole" and "wind coming through" represent a cause-and-effect relationship. If used metaphorically, it should imply that statements have basis and reasons. Thus, using "wind through an empty hole" to metaphorically describe non-existent or baseless matters is inappropriate; if used to describe something without cause but indeed having origins, it would be more appropriate.
(4) Private Matters of the Bed (Bed and mattress can easily be mistaken for "bed sequence." Although they look similar, the latter is not Chinese at all — sorry, my eyesight isn't good enough.)
"Bed" is easy to explain; "mattress" (pronounced "zi") refers to "bamboo mats placed under the bed." "Pillow and mat" refer to the bed itself. Extended meaning includes private conversations or bedroom affairs between spouses. However, changing it to "bed sequence" makes it lose all meaning.
(5) Tomorrow’s Chrysanthemum (Refers to "outdated things." Some may feel that "tomorrow" isn't outdated; rather, "yesterday" is outdated, so they change it to "Yesterday’s Chrysanthemum" — who gave the order? Why insist on changing it?)
The origin of this idiom comes from Su Shi's poem "On the Ninth Day, Rhyming with Wang Gong": "There is no need to rush back; tomorrow’s chrysanthemums will make even butterflies sad." Chrysanthemum refers to chrysanthemums that gradually wither after the Double Ninth Festival. Later, it often metaphorically refers to outdated things or news.
(6) Beautiful and Magnificent (Originally only used to describe the beauty of architecture, now it has been overused to describe all things. Especially radio and television hosts who consider themselves knowledgeable often use it incorrectly without hesitation — making mistakes and never correcting them, they have thick skins.)
This idiom comes from the book "Li Ji - Tan Gong Xia": Zhao Wu, son of Wenzi of Jin, had a new house built, and Zhang Lao, a doctor of Jin, went to celebrate saying: "How magnificent! How splendid! Songs sung here, tears shed here, gatherings held here!" "Magnificent" refers to a large round granary in ancient times. This idiom specifically describes buildings that are tall and luxurious. Now? Even singing, dancing, drinking, and eating are described as "beautiful and magnificent." Where can we go to reason?
After quoting the above text, let me share my own thoughts: I believe language, while inherited, should also keep up with the times. If, over many years, public collective misinterpretations lead to established usage habits, they can and should be accepted, treating them as new meanings of old words, such as (1) and (3). Especially (3) "wind through an empty hole," since everyone interprets it as baseless, there's no need to cling to classical texts, causing language barriers in today's communication.
Of course, I still highly agree with the correct interpretations of other idioms mentioned in the excerpt. I've gained a lot of knowledge, hehe!
I haven't read classical texts for many years. Today, upon seeing one, I feel a slight fragrance lingering on my lips...