To feel extremely uneasy, restless, or on edge; to have a strong sense of discomfort or apprehension, as if one has prickles or thorns on one's back.
公司公布重大人事变动前，每个人都感到如芒在背，等待最终的决定。
Before the company announced significant personnel changes, everyone felt extremely uneasy, waiting for the final decision.
Era:
Ancient
Frequency:
Synonym:
Story:
During the Western Han Dynasty, after Emperor Wu died of illness, Huo Guang assisted Emperor Zhao (Liu Fuling) in governing. After Emperor Zhao's death, Liu He was enthroned as emperor, but due to his incompetence, Emperor Xuan (Liu Xun) was subsequently appointed.
When Emperor Xuan went to the ancestral temple to offer sacrifices, he saw the tall and imposing Huo Guang accompanying him. Emperor Xuan felt extremely uneasy and anxious, as if having thorns on his back. He did not feel truly at ease until Huo Guang's death.
Next Idiom