"Yi Bo San Zhe" (one wave, three folds) originally referred to the twists and turns of brushstrokes in writing, but later came to be used as a metaphor for the development of an article, story, or situation being full of ups and downs, twists and turns, and not going smoothly. This idiom emphasizes that the development of things does not proceed in a straight line, but is full of setbacks, reversals, and changes. It is often used to describe complicated plots, difficult processes, or ill-fated destinies. In terms of usage scenarios, it is mostly used in literary criticism, narrative accounts of events, or descriptions of life experiences, carrying an emotional tone of lament, helplessness, or appreciation for the beauty of twists and turns. In terms of cultural background, it originates from ancient calligraphy theory and reflects the aesthetic pursuit of "curves" and "change" in traditional Chinese culture, which holds that twists and turns can add charm and depth. Therefore, this idiom can be used both to describe the structure of literary and artistic works and to depict the bumpy experiences of real life.
📝 Example
1. The plot of this novel is full of twists and turns, keeping readers guessing until the very end. (Describing a plot that is full of ups and downs and suspense.)
2. His entrepreneurial journey was full of twists and turns, and he only achieved success after experiencing many failures. (Describing something that does not develop smoothly and goes through many setbacks.)