"Long Tan Hu Xue" literally means a deep pool where dragons lurk and a cave where tigers hide, serving as a metaphor for an extremely dangerous place or situation. This idiom originates from "Water Margin," in which heroes often venture deep into perilous situations, escaping death by a hair's breadth in places as dangerous as dragon pools and tiger dens. It is commonly used to describe treacherous environments that require immense courage to enter, such as infiltrating enemy camps, conducting undercover investigations, or exploring unknown territories. In terms of usage, it is mostly employed to depict adventures, struggles, or dangerous missions, carrying a strong sense of tension and awe. Emotionally, it highlights both the terrifying nature of the danger and an implicit admiration for the brave. Culturally, dragons and tigers in traditional Chinese culture symbolize power, majesty, and danger, and their combination intensifies the degree of peril. In modern Chinese, this idiom is often paired with verbs such as "venture into," "go deep into," and "dare to," emphasizing the spirit of braving hardships and pressing forward courageously.
📝 Example
1. In order to obtain evidence against the criminal gang, he ventured alone into the dragon's lair and the tiger's den, and ultimately completed the mission successfully.
2. This primeval forest is teeming with venomous snakes and fierce beasts, making it a veritable dragon's lair and tiger's den for explorers.