"Beigong Sheying," or "Mistaking the Reflection of a Bow for a Snake," originates from the "Biography of Le Guang" in the Book of Jin. It tells the story of Le Guang inviting a guest for a drink. The guest, seeing the reflection of a bow in his cup, mistook it for a snake and fell ill from suspicion after drinking. Later, when Le Guang explained the truth, the guest recovered. This idiom metaphorically describes being needlessly alarmed due to groundless suspicions, treating illusory and unreal matters as real threats. Its deeper meaning lies in revealing the powerful effect of psychological suggestion—fear often stems from subjective imagination rather than objective facts. It is mostly used to criticize unfounded suspicions, excessive anxiety, or to describe panic caused by illusions. In terms of cultural background, it reflects the ancients' understanding of psychogenic illnesses and is often used to advise people to distinguish truth from falsehood and remain calm. Its emotional tone is somewhat derogatory, carrying a sense of irony and admonition, reminding people not to let suspicion disturb their minds.
📝 Example
1. He is so suspicious that the slightest rumor makes him see ghosts everywhere, believing that his colleagues are all conspiring against him. (Describing someone who frightens himself with groundless suspicions.)
2. Stop being so paranoid. That's just a shadow of a tree, not a thief. (Figuratively describing someone who mistakes illusion for reality and panics for no reason.)