







河鱼之疾 is a Chinese idiom (chengyu) meaning “a euphemism for diarrhea or an upset stomach”. Metaphorically referring to an intestinal illness or internal distress, stemming from the idea that fish rot from within.
In the winter of 597 BC, the state of Chu launched an attack on the state of Xiao, laying siege to its capital city.
Shen Shuzhan, a high official of Chu, and Huan Wushe, a high official of Xiao, were close friends. With Huan Wushe trapped inside the besieged city, Shen Shuzhan was unable to openly come to his aid.
He resorted to using the cryptic phrase 'heyu zhiji' (river fish's ailment) as a secret signal, hinting to his friend to seek refuge in a dry well to escape the impending danger.
Ultimately, he succeeded in saving his friend.

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Open the tool →河鱼之疾 (hé yú zhī jí) is a Chinese idiom (chengyu) meaning “a euphemism for diarrhea or an upset stomach”.
河鱼之疾 is pronounced hé yú zhī jí in Mandarin Chinese.
河鱼之疾 comes from a classical Chinese story dating back to ancient China. The full story is on this page.
河鱼:腹疾的隐称,因鱼腐烂是从腹中开始而得名。指腹泻。