xiǎo小lù鹿chù触xīn心tóu头
To describe one's heart pounding wildly or thumping with fright due to fear, nervousness, or shock.
Era:
Early Modern
Frequency:
Synonym:
Story:
During the Ming Dynasty, a scholar named Wang Jie got into a big fight because a ginger seller commented on his petty appearance, knocking the seller to the ground.
Afterwards, Wang Jie quickly helped him back to his home, treated him with good food and wine, and even gave him a bolt of white silk. The ginger seller left happily, but unfortunately, he died on the ferry crossing.
The boatman rushed to tell Wang Jie all the details. Upon hearing the news, Wang Jie's heart pounded wildly, as if a little deer was bumping within it.