Definition
This is a four-character idiom (成語). Literally meaning 'ashes fly, smoke extinguishes', it figuratively describes something being utterly destroyed or vanishing without a trace. It is used as a verb phrase, often with 了 to indicate completed annihilation. Common in literary and dramatic contexts.
idiom
to be annihilatedto vanish into thin air
Examples
- 灰飞烟灭。Tā de mèngxiǎng zài yī shùnjiān huī fēi yān le.His dream vanished in an instant.
- 灰飞烟灭。Suǒyǒu zhèngjù zài dàhuǒ zhōng huī fēi yān.All the evidence was destroyed in the big fire.
- 灰飞烟灭。Dí jūn bèi dàpào dǎ de huī fēi yān.The enemy forces were shelled into annihilation.
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