噤若寒蝉 silent as a cicada in winter
Explanation
噤若寒蝉，形容因害怕有所顾虑而不敢说话。比喻不敢表达自己的想法或意见。
Jin ruo han chan describes someone who cannot speak due to fear or concern. It is used to describe someone who cannot express their thoughts or opinions.
Origin Story
汉朝时期，河南尹杜密为人正直，敢于直言，因触犯权贵被罢官。回到家乡后，他仍然关心国家大事，批评时任河南尹刘胜因害怕权贵而噤若寒蝉，不敢进言，只顾自身安危，像深秋的寒蝉一样沉默无声。杜密认为刘胜的行为是失职，是对国家的不负责任。后杜密再次被起用，他更加尽职尽责，为国家做出了很大的贡献。
During the Han Dynasty, Du Mi, the governor of Henan, was an upright man who dared to speak his mind. Because he offended powerful figures, he was dismissed from his post. After returning to his hometown, he remained concerned about state affairs and criticized Liu Sheng, the then governor of Henan, for being silent and afraid to speak up because of powerful people, only caring about his own safety, as silent as a cold cicada in late autumn. Du Mi considered Liu Sheng's behavior to be dereliction of duty and irresponsible to the country. Later, Du Mi was reappointed, and he worked even more diligently and made great contributions to the country.
Usage
形容因恐惧或顾虑而不敢说话。常用于贬义。
Describes someone who is too afraid or worried to speak up. Often used in a derogatory sense.
Examples
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会场上，面对领导的批评，他噤若寒蝉，一句话也不敢说。
hui chang shang,mian dui ling dao de piping,ta jin ruo han chan,yi ju hua ye bu gan shuo.
At the meeting, he was as silent as a cicada in winter when the leader criticized him.
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面对强大的对手，他噤若寒蝉，不敢轻举妄动。
mian dui qiang da de duishou,ta jin ruo han chan,bu gan qing ju wang dong
Facing a powerful opponent, he was as silent as a cicada, not daring to act rashly.