繁鸟萃棘 — “Refers to how bad deeds or hidden intentions”

繁鸟萃棘 is a Chinese idiom (chengyu) meaning “refers to how bad deeds or hidden intentions”. Like a multitude of birds gathering on a thorny tree, cannot ultimately be concealed and will eventually be exposed or become evident. Literally, “Numerous birds gather on a thorny tree”.

Frequency

繁鸟萃棘 Pronunciation and Pinyin

繁鸟萃棘 Character Breakdown

Stroke Order

Character	Pinyin	Strokes	Meaning
繁	fán	17	numerous, complex, flourishing
鸟	niǎo	5	a bird
萃	cuì	12	gather, lush, outstanding
棘	jí	12	thorn, thorny, difficult

Example Sentence with 繁鸟萃棘

他的那些不轨企图，就像繁鸟萃棘，早晚会暴露出来。

His illicit intentions, like many birds gathering on a thorny tree, will eventually be exposed.

Origin and Story of 繁鸟萃棘

During the Warring States period, Xie Jufu, a Grand Master from the State of Jin, was appointed by the State of Wu. On his journey to assume his duties, he passed by the tomb gate of the State of Chen. There, he saw a young woman by the roadside, holding an infant. He was tempted to accost her and indulge his desires.

The woman cleverly cited a verse from the 'Classic of Poetry' (Shijing): 'At the tomb gate are thorny trees, where owls gather.' This quote, implying that ill intentions are as visible as birds on a thorny tree, effectively deterred him.

Xie Jufu, understanding her implied message, had no choice but to abandon his disgraceful intentions.