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.
他昨天吃了不洁食物，结果河鱼之疾发作，很不舒服。
He ate some unclean food yesterday, and consequently suffered from an upset stomach, feeling quite unwell.
Era:
Ancient
Frequency:
Synonym:
Story:
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.
Next Idiom