Definition
逃之夭夭 is a four-character idiom (成语) that originally came from the Book of Songs (诗经) as 桃之夭夭, describing a peach tree's lush leaves. Through homophonic wordplay, 桃 was replaced by 逃, creating the modern meaning 'to flee and disappear without a trace.' It is used humorously or critically to describe someone sneaking away or making a quick escape, often after causing trouble or avoiding responsibility.
f.e.
to make a getawayto slip away (often humorously or derogatorily)
Examples
- ，逃之夭夭。Xiǎotōu chèn méi rén zhùyì, zǎo jiù táo zhī yāo yāo le.The thief slipped away unnoticed long ago.
- ，逃之夭夭，。Tā qiàn le yí pìgu zhài, zuìhòu táo zhī yāo yāo, shéi yě zhǎo bú dào tā.He owed a huge debt and finally disappeared, leaving no one able to find him.
- ，逃之夭夭，。Huìyì hái méi jiéshù, tā jiù táo zhī yāo yāo le, zhēn shì méi lǐmào.He slipped away before the meeting ended — so rude.
Browse more HSK 7-9 words or search the full 43,000-word dictionary.