# 泥牛入海

ní niú rù hǎi

Disappear without any reply or result

## Meaning & wording

**Literally:** A clay ox enters the sea

**Register:** Regretful · literary

[Change & possibility](https://chinese-idioms.yudis.dev/idioms/topics/change)

## When to use it

Describe unanswered messages or vanished efforts.

Usually suggests a lack of trace or response.

## Understanding the expression

An ox made of clay cannot remain intact in the sea; it dissolves and leaves nothing useful to follow. The expression describes something sent out that brings no reply or visible result. Modern examples include applications, inquiries, and money entrusted to someone who disappears. Its mood is often frustrated or resigned. The phrase does not explain why the response failed, only how completely the sender seems to lose contact with the outcome.

## Examples

申请寄出后泥牛入海。

### Traditional Chinese

申請寄出後泥牛入海。

shēn qǐng jì chū hòu ní niú rù hǎi 。

The application was sent and received no response.

几封邮件都泥牛入海。

### Traditional Chinese

幾封郵件都泥牛入海。

jǐ fēng yóu jiàn dōu ní niú rù hǎi 。

Several emails disappeared without any reply.

他交出去的钱如泥牛入海。

### Traditional Chinese

他交出去的錢如泥牛入海。

tā jiāo chū qù de qián rú ní niú rù hǎi 。

The money he handed over vanished without a trace.

询问两周仍泥牛入海。

### Traditional Chinese

詢問兩週仍泥牛入海。

xún wèn liǎng zhōu réng ní niú rù hǎi 。

Two weeks after the inquiry, there is still no reply.

## Sources & reference checks

Original explanations and examples from Chinese Idioms Almanac. Source-checked October 6, 2026.

- [CC-CEDICT · forms & pronunciation](https://www.mdbg.net/chinese/dictionary?page=worddict&wdqb=%E6%B3%A5%E7%89%9B%E5%85%A5%E6%B5%B7)

- [Ministry of Education · 成語典](https://dict.idioms.moe.edu.tw/idiomView.jsp?ID=210&webMd=1&la=0)

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