# 石破天惊

shí pò tiān jīng

Be startlingly original or extraordinary

## Meaning & wording

**Literally:** Stones split and the sky is startled

**Traditional Chinese:** 石破天驚

**Register:** Emphatic · literary

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

## When to use it

Describe a striking idea, performance, or breakthrough.

Not merely loud or physically destructive; it often praises originality.

## Understanding the expression

Splitting stone and startling the sky create an image large enough to convey a powerful artistic or intellectual impact. The expression often praises a result that surprises people by its originality. An argument, musical passage, or discovery may qualify even when delivered quietly. The emphasis is on extraordinary effect rather than literal noise. Use it sparingly, because repeated claims of world-shaking brilliance make the intended praise less convincing.

## Examples

她提出石破天惊的新解释。

### Traditional Chinese

她提出石破天驚的新解釋。

tā tí chū shí pò tiān jīng de xīn jiě shì 。

She proposed a startlingly original explanation.

这段独奏有石破天惊的力量。

### Traditional Chinese

這段獨奏有石破天驚的力量。

zhè duàn dú zòu yǒu shí pò tiān jīng de lì liàng 。

The solo has an extraordinary, startling power.

那篇论文以石破天惊的结论引起讨论。

### Traditional Chinese

那篇論文以石破天驚的結論引起討論。

nà piān lùn wén yǐ shí pò tiān jīng de jié lùn yǐn qǐ tǎo lùn 。

The paper sparked discussion with its remarkable conclusion.

没有石破天惊的发明，只有持续的小改进。

### Traditional Chinese

沒有石破天驚的發明，只有持續的小改進。

méi yǒu shí pò tiān jīng de fā míng ， zhǐ yǒu chí xù de xiǎo gǎi jìn 。

There was no dramatic invention, only continuous small improvements.

## 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=%E7%9F%B3%E7%A0%B4%E5%A4%A9%E9%A9%9A)

- [Ministry of Education · 成語典](https://dict.idioms.moe.edu.tw/idiomView.jsp?ID=411&webMd=1&la=0)

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