狮威胜虎 | a fierce and jealous wife

shī狮wēi威shèng胜hǔ虎

Describes a wife who is extremely fierce and jealous, often metaphorically referred to as having a formidable temper like a lion.

他虽然在外面叱咤风云，可回到家里，面对妻子的狮威胜虎，也只能乖乖听话。

Although he was powerful and influential outside, at home, facing his wife's formidable temper, he could only meekly obey.

Era:

Early Modern

Frequency:

Synonym:

河东狮吼

Story:

During the Song Dynasty, Su Shi was demoted to Huangzhou, where he often discussed literature with his good friend Chen Jichang.

Chen Jichang was very hospitable and frequently invited guests to his home. His wife, Madam Liu of Hedong Commandery, often knocked on the wall to drive the guests away.

Su Shi then wrote a poem: "The scholar of Longqiu is also pitiable, talking endlessly day and night. Suddenly hearing the roar of the Hedong lion, his staff falls from his hand, and his heart is lost in bewilderment." He used this poem to mock Chen Jichang for being afraid of his wife.

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