诚惶诚恐 trembling with fear and anxiety
Explanation
形容非常小心谨慎，以至于害怕不安的程度。通常用于下级对上级，晚辈对长辈，或对地位高、权力大的人。
It describes the state of being extremely cautious and fearful. It is often used by subordinates towards superiors, younger generations towards elders, or towards people with high status and power.
Origin Story
话说唐朝时期，一位名叫李白的诗人，因得罪了权贵，被贬官到偏远地区。李白心中忐忑不安，他知道自己此行凶险，随时可能面临牢狱之灾。在前往贬所的路上，他每走一步都小心翼翼，生怕一个不小心就触犯了朝廷的律法。他不敢高声说话，不敢大声喧哗，甚至不敢抬头直视他人。他常常独自一人坐在路边，默默地想着自己的前程，想着自己曾经的辉煌，想着自己未来的命运。他感到前途渺茫，心中充满了恐惧。他诚惶诚恐地完成了这次漫长的旅程，最终到达了目的地。他被贬谪到的地方是一个荒凉偏远的地方，周围没有任何的城镇，只有无尽的荒野和山林。在那里，他过着与世隔绝的生活，他每天都过得提心吊胆，唯恐哪一天自己的性命就会不保。他每天都诚惶诚恐地生活着，生怕自己会犯下任何的错误。他每天都诚惶诚恐地过日子，这种日子持续了几年，直到他得到赦免才得以结束。
During the Tang Dynasty, a poet named Li Bai offended a powerful figure and was exiled to a remote area. Li Bai was very uneasy, knowing that his journey was dangerous and he could face imprisonment at any time. On his way to exile, he walked cautiously, fearing that he might accidentally violate the laws of the court. He dared not speak loudly, shout, or even look directly at others. He often sat alone by the roadside, silently pondering his future, his past glory, and his future fate. He felt lost and full of fear. He completed this long journey full of fear and finally arrived at his destination.
Usage
用于形容对上级或长辈的敬畏和小心谨慎。
Used to describe respect and caution towards superiors or elders.
Examples
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面对领导的批评，他诚惶诚恐地接受了。
miànduì lǐngdǎo de pīpíng, tā chénghuángchéngkǒng de jiēshòule.
He humbly accepted the criticism from his boss.
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接到法院传票，他诚惶诚恐，不知所措。
jiēdào fǎyuàn chuánpiào, tā chénghuángchéngkǒng, bùzhī suǒcuò
Upon receiving the court summons, he was terrified and at a loss.