捕风捉影 (bǔ fēng zhuō yǐng) — to make groundless accusations; to base claims on hearsay without evidence
Definition
A chengyu meaning to accuse or claim something with no real evidence — chasing wind and grabbing at shadows. Used to criticize baseless allegations or gossip.
idiom
to make groundless accusationsto base claims on hearsay without evidence
Examples
- 捕风捉影，。Zhè xiē zhǐ kòng wán quán shì bǔ fēng zhuō yǐng, méi yǒu rèn hé zhèng jù.These accusations are completely groundless — there is no evidence at all.
- 捕风捉影，。Jì zhě bù néng bǔ fēng zhuō yǐng dì bào dào xīn wén, bì xū hé shí shì shí.A journalist cannot report news based on hearsay; they must verify the facts.
- 捕风捉影，。Tā bǔ fēng zhuō yǐng dì zhǐ zé bié rén, jié guǒ bèi zhèng míng shì cuò de.He made groundless accusations against others, and was later proven wrong.
Appears in
Browse more HSK 7-9 words or search the full 43,000-word dictionary.