惊弓之鸟 a bird startled by a bowstring
Explanation
这个成语比喻受过惊吓的人，遇到一点动静就非常害怕，就像被弓箭吓过后的鸟，容易受到惊吓。它反映了人们在经历过重大事件后，心理上可能产生的恐惧和敏感。
This idiom refers to someone who is easily frightened and jumpy after experiencing a frightening event, like a bird that has been startled by an arrow. It reflects the fear and sensitivity that people may develop after a traumatic experience.
Origin Story
战国时期，一位名叫更赢的射箭高手和魏王谈论箭术，这时一只大雁从东方飞来，更赢弯弓搭箭，准备射箭，却意外地射空了，但奇怪的是，大雁应声落地了。魏王感到很不解，更赢解释道：“这只受伤的大雁脱离了雁群，飞得较低，它听到弓弦响，吓得不知所措，用力挣扎时，伤口裂开，最终掉在地上。”魏王恍然大悟，从此以后，便明白即使没有射中目标，但也能让人因害怕而受到伤害。
During the Warring States Period, a skilled archer named Geng Ying was discussing archery with the King of Wei. Just as a wild goose flew in from the east, Geng Ying drew his bow and aimed, but missed the target. Strangely, the goose fell to the ground. King Wei was puzzled, but Geng Ying explained: “This injured goose had separated from its flock and was flying lower. It heard the sound of the bowstring and was so frightened that it didn’t know what to do. It struggled to move, but its wound opened, and it fell to the ground.” King Wei finally understood and realized that even if you don’t hit your target, you can still hurt someone through fear.
Usage
常用来形容那些经历过重大事件，导致内心充满恐惧，容易受到惊吓的人。
Often used to describe people who are full of fear and easily frightened after experiencing a major event.
Examples
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他经历了战火的洗礼，现在已经成了惊弓之鸟，一点风吹草动就让他心惊胆战。
ta jing li le zhan huo de xi li , xian zai yi jing cheng le jing gong zhi niao , yi dian feng chui cao dong jiu rang ta xin jing dan zhan .
He has experienced the baptism of fire and is now a scaredy-cat, startled by every rustle.
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这场失败让公司元气大伤，成了惊弓之鸟，再也不敢轻易尝试新项目了。
zhe chang shi bai rang gong si yuan qi da shang , cheng le jing gong zhi niao , zai ye bu gan qing yi shi shi xin xiang mu le .
This failure has dealt a heavy blow to the company, making it a frightened bird, no longer daring to try new projects.