To rush headlong into danger or destruction, bringing ruin upon oneself, much like a moth being drawn to a flame; to court disaster.
Era:
Ancient
Frequency:
Story:
The idiom '飞蛾投火' (fēi é tóu huǒ) originated from a poem by Emperor Xiao Yan during the Southern Dynasties Liang period. Dao Jin, a talented scholar and grandson of Dao Gai (a high-ranking official), was much admired by the emperor, and they often wrote poetry together.
Emperor Xiao Yan once presented a poem to Dao Gai, in which he praised Dao Gai's dedication and enthusiasm for his work, even in his old age. The poem contained the lines: '研磨墨以腾文，笔飞毫以书信，如飞蛾之赴火，岂焚身之可吝。必耄年其已及，可假之于少荩。' (Polishing ink to produce writings, flying brushes to write letters; like a moth drawn to the fire, how can one regret the burning of one's body? Since old age has already arrived, it can be passed on to the young Jin.)
The phrase '如飞蛾之赴火' (like a moth going to the fire) was used to describe Dao Gai's unwavering devotion and willingness to exert himself for his duties, implying a complete dedication, just as a moth is irresistibly drawn to a flame, regardless of the consequences.