借古讽今 use the past to satirize the present
Explanation
借用古代的故事、人物或事件来影射、讽刺或批评当代的社会现象、时政或人物。
Using ancient stories, characters, or events to satirize, criticize, or comment on contemporary social phenomena, politics, or individuals.
Origin Story
话说唐朝时期，有个叫李白的诗人，他写诗很厉害，经常借古讽今，表达自己的政治观点。有一次，他写了一首诗，表面上写的是古代的贤臣良将，实际上是在讽刺当时的奸臣当道，百姓民不聊生的局面。结果这首诗被皇帝看到了，皇帝龙颜大怒，认为李白是在影射自己，于是把李白流放到了夜郎。虽然遭遇了流放的惩罚，但李白的诗歌却流传至今，成为了中国文学宝库中的瑰宝，他的借古讽今的写作手法，也成为了后世文人学习的典范。当然，借古讽今也需要谨慎，避免触怒当权者，不然会像李白一样，招来祸患。
During the Tang Dynasty, there was a poet named Li Bai who was known for his masterful poems. He often used the past to criticize the present. Once, he wrote a poem seemingly about virtuous ministers and generals of the past, but in fact, he was satirizing the corrupt officials and the suffering of the people at that time. The poem reached the emperor, who was enraged, believing that Li Bai was subtly criticizing him. As a result, Li Bai was exiled to Yelang. Despite his exile, Li Bai's poems have survived and remain treasures in the Chinese literary treasure trove. His technique of using history to comment on the present became a model for later writers. However, one must use this technique cautiously; otherwise, like Li Bai, one might invite trouble.
Usage
用于评论时政或社会现象，含讽刺意味。
Used to comment on current politics or social phenomena, with a sarcastic implication.
Examples
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这篇评论借古讽今，很有警示意义。
zhe pian pinglun jie gu feng jin, hen you jingshi yiyi.
This commentary uses historical events to satirize the present, which is very meaningful.
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这篇文章借古讽今，批判了当下的社会现象。
zhe pian wenzhang jie gu feng jin, pipan le dangxia de shehui xianxiang
This article uses historical events to criticize current social phenomena.