# 死灰复燃

sǐ huī fù rán

An unwelcome problem revives

## Meaning & wording

**Literally:** Dead ashes burn again

**Traditional Chinese:** 死灰復燃

**Register:** Concerned · formal

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

## When to use it

Describe the return of harmful habits or forces.

Usually negative; avoid for a welcome comeback.

## Understanding the expression

Ashes seem to show that a fire has ended, yet hidden heat can make it burn again. The phrase turns this surprise into a warning about problems thought to be gone. It commonly describes renewed fraud, harmful practices, or old conflicts. The apparent ending was not complete enough to prevent a return. Although literal fire is possible, figurative use usually expresses concern, unlike the hopeful comeback suggested by some other expressions.

## Examples

停了一年的骗局又死灰复燃。

### Traditional Chinese

停了一年的騙局又死灰復燃。

tíng le yì nián de piàn jú yòu sǐ huī fù rán 。

The scam revived after a year of inactivity.

管理一放松，乱收费就死灰复燃。

### Traditional Chinese

管理一放鬆，亂收費就死灰復燃。

guǎn lǐ yí fàng sōng ， luàn shōu fèi jiù sǐ huī fù rán 。

Once oversight relaxed, improper charges returned.

两家之间的旧争执死灰复燃。

### Traditional Chinese

兩家之間的舊爭執死灰復燃。

liǎng jiā zhī jiān de jiù zhēng zhí sǐ huī fù rán 。

The old dispute between the two families flared up again.

她担心拖延的坏习惯死灰复燃。

### Traditional Chinese

她擔心拖延的壞習慣死灰復燃。

tā dān xīn tuō yán de huài xí guàn sǐ huī fù rán 。

She worries that her procrastination habit will return.

## 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%AD%BB%E7%81%B0%E5%BE%A9%E7%87%83)

- [Ministry of Education · 成語典](https://dict.idioms.moe.edu.tw/idiomView.jsp?ID=61&webMd=1&la=0)

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