惊慌失措 flustered and at a loss
Explanation
形容因害怕或紧急情况而不知所措的样子。
Describes the state of being at a loss because of fear or an urgent situation.
Origin Story
话说南北朝时期，北魏被北齐灭亡后，北魏皇室后裔元晖业因痛斥北齐皇帝而被判处死刑。同行的元孝友，眼见死亡将至，吓得惊慌失措，脸色惨白，浑身颤抖，不知所措。而元晖业却神色自若，从容就义，表现出极高的气节和胆量。他临危不乱的姿态，与元孝友的惊慌失措形成鲜明对比，令人敬佩。这个故事体现了面对危急时刻，沉着冷静的重要性，也反映了古代士大夫们视死如归的精神。元晖业的勇敢，成为了后世无数人学习的榜样，他的故事也成为了激励人们在困境中保持坚强和冷静的经典案例。
During the Northern and Southern Dynasties, after the Northern Wei was destroyed by the Northern Qi, Yuan Huiye, a descendant of the Northern Wei royal family, was sentenced to death for openly criticizing the Northern Qi emperor. His companion, Yuan Xiaoyou, was so terrified at the sight of impending death that he was pale, trembling, and at a loss. Yuan Huiye, however, remained calm and died with dignity, demonstrating his great courage and integrity. His composure in the face of death is a stark contrast to Yuan Xiaoyou's panic and is admirable. This story highlights the importance of composure and calmness in critical moments and reflects the spirit of the ancient literati and officials who regarded death as returning home. Yuan Huiye's bravery became a role model for countless people in later generations, and his story became a classic example that encourages people to remain strong and calm in adversity.
Usage
用于形容因惊慌而不知所措的状态。
Used to describe the state of being at a loss due to panic.
Examples
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面对突发事件，他惊慌失措，手忙脚乱。
miàn duì tūfā shìjiàn, tā jīnghuāng shīcuò, shǒumángjiǎoluàn
Faced with a sudden event, he was flustered and clumsy.
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听到这个噩耗，她惊慌失措，不知所措。
tīng dào zhège éhào, tā jīnghuāng shīcuò, bùzhī suǒcuò
Hearing the bad news, she was flustered and at a loss.
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考试时，他过于紧张，竟惊慌失措，忘记了所有的知识点。
kǎoshì shí, tā guòyú jǐnzhāng, jìng jīnghuāng shīcuò, wàngjìle suǒyǒu de zhīshì diǎn
During the exam, he was so nervous that he panicked and forgot all the knowledge points.