Definition
危言耸听 is a four-character idiom (chengyu) that describes using exaggerated or frightening words to shock people or create a sensation. It's often used critically to accuse someone of making alarmist statements. The literal breakdown is 'dangerous words make ears stand up', but the actual meaning is about deliberately spreading scary news to attract attention.
f.e.
to make alarmist statementsto exaggerate dangers to shock others(noun) alarmist talk
Examples
- 危言耸听，。Nǐ bié zài zhèr wēi yán sǒng tīng, shìqing méi nàme yánzhòng.Stop making alarmist statements here; things aren't that serious.
- ，危言耸听。Yǒuxiē méitǐ wèile xīyǐn yǎnqiú, chángcháng wēi yán sǒng tīng.Some media outlets often use alarmist language to attract eyeballs.
- 危言耸听，。Tā de fāyán wēi yán sǒng tīng, dàjiā búyào qīngxìn.His speech was alarmist; don't believe it easily.
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