众口铄金 Public opinion melts gold
Explanation
众口铄金，意思是指很多人的说法，可以使虚假的变成真实的，形容舆论的力量非常大。
The idiom "zhòng kǒu shuò jīn" means that the statements of many people can make something false appear true. It describes the great power of public opinion.
Origin Story
春秋时期，齐国有个名叫晏婴的著名政治家。他为政清廉，深受百姓爱戴。但是，一些嫉妒他的官员，为了陷害他，就四处散布谣言，说晏婴贪污受贿，私生活混乱。这些谣言像野火一样迅速蔓延，许多人信以为真，纷纷指责晏婴。面对铺天盖地的谣言，晏婴没有慌张，他只是默默地做好自己的工作，用实际行动来证明自己的清白。时间一长，人们渐渐看清了那些官员的用心，谣言不攻自破。晏婴的清名，反而更加响亮。这个故事告诉我们，真理是不会被谣言所淹没的，正义终将战胜邪恶。
During the Spring and Autumn period in China, there was a famous statesman named Yan Ying in the Kingdom of Qi. He was known for his political integrity and his love for the people. But some jealous officials spread rumors about him in order to slander him. They said Yan Ying was corrupt and led an immoral life. These rumors spread like wildfire, and many people believed them. However, Yan Ying did not react; he simply continued his work calmly and proved his innocence through his actions. Over time, people saw the true intentions of the officials, and the rumors broke. Yans reputation became even louder. This story shows us that the truth cannot be swallowed up by rumors, and that good will eventually defeat evil.
Usage
形容舆论力量很大，可以压倒一切。多用于批评某些人利用舆论混淆是非。
Describes the great power of public opinion that can overwhelm everything. Often used to criticize those who use public opinion to confuse right and wrong.
Examples
-
他的说法虽然站不住脚，但众口铄金，很多人相信了。
tā de shuōfǎ suīrán zhàn bu zhù jiǎo, dàn zhòng kǒu shuò jīn, hěn duō rén xiāngxìn le
Although his statement is untenable, it is widely believed because of the power of public opinion.
-
谣言惑众，众口铄金，不得不防
yáoyán huò zhòng, zhòng kǒu shuò jīn, bù dé bù fáng
Rumors confuse people; public opinion can be very powerful and must be guarded against