望穿秋水 look through the autumn water
Explanation
这个成语是指一个人对远方亲人或朋友的思念之情十分浓烈，以至于眼睛都望穿了秋水。比喻对远方亲友的殷切盼望。
This idiom means that someone's longing for a loved one or friend in the distance is so intense that their eyes are looking through the autumn water. It means that someone is eagerly awaiting the return of a loved one.
Origin Story
在古代的江南水乡，有一位名叫阿远的书生，远赴京城参加科举考试。他家中只有一位年迈的母亲，阿远非常孝顺，临行前再三嘱咐母亲，一定要保重身体，待他高中回来就接母亲到京城一起生活。然而科举考试竞争激烈，阿远屡试不第，年复一年，他始终未能实现自己的愿望，也无法与母亲团聚。每次收到母亲的信，阿远总是泪流满面，思念之情如同滔滔江水，止不住地涌现。一天，阿远终于收到家书，信中母亲告诉他，身体抱恙，命不久矣，希望他能够早日回家。阿远悲痛欲绝，立刻收拾行囊，赶回故乡。一路上，他焦急地望向远方，希望能够早日见到母亲。他望着远方，望穿秋水，却始终无法看到母亲的身影。最后，阿远终于回到了家乡，但迎接他的却是母亲冰冷的遗体。阿远悲痛万分，他终于体会到望穿秋水的含义，那是对亲人的深切思念和无法弥补的遗憾。
In a beautiful village in ancient China, there lived a young scholar named Ah Yuan. He was very talented and dreamt of serving at the imperial court in the capital city. His mother was a loving and caring woman who always supported him. Ah Yuan decided to prepare for the imperial examinations and visit the capital city. His mother was very worried because she didn’t want to leave her son. Ah Yuan promised her that he would return soon and tell her all about his experiences. So he set off for the capital city. The examinations were however extremely challenging, and Ah Yuan had to spend many years studying and practicing before he finally succeeded. But the joy of his success was marred by sorrow. He had received a letter from his mother, telling him that she was seriously ill. Ah Yuan rushed back home immediately to see his mother. However, when he finally arrived, his mother had already passed away. Ah Yuan was heartbroken and filled with remorse. He wished he had come home sooner, but it was too late. He stood for a long time by his mother’s grave, gazing at the sky. At that moment, he understood the pain and deep sorrow that can arise from the loss of a loved one. He had looked through the autumn water, so much he had longed for his mother.
Usage
这个成语用于表达对远方亲人或朋友的思念之情，多用于书面语。
This idiom is used to express longing for a loved one or friend in the distance. It is mainly used in written language.
Examples
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望着远方归来的船只，他望穿秋水，盼望的是他的家人。
wang zhe yuan fang gui lai de chuan zhi, ta wang chuan qiu shui, pan wang de shi ta de jia ren.
Looking at the boats coming back from afar, he looked through the autumn water, hoping for his family.
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离别的日子越来越近，她望着窗外，望穿秋水，思念着远方的爱人。
li bie de ri zi yue lai yue jin, ta wang zhe chuang wai, wang chuan qiu shui, si nian zhe yuan fang de ai ren
The day of separation is getting closer, she looked out of the window, looked through the autumn water, thinking of her lover in the distance.