杯弓蛇影
他总是杯弓蛇影，担心老板会解雇他，其实老板对他很满意。
He’s always unnecessarily alarmed, worrying the boss will fire him, when in fact the boss is very satisfied.
To be so overly suspicious or anxious that one sees threats or dangers where none exist.
看到邻居家的狗在门口，他就杯弓蛇影，以为要被咬。
Seeing the neighbor’s dog at the door, he became unnecessarily alarmed, thinking he’d be bitten.
Often used to describe irrational fears or paranoia in social or professional settings.
Related Phrases
Pro Tip
Avoid literal translation
Do not translate word-for-word ('cup bow snake shadow'). Focus on the figurative meaning of irrational fear.
Gold Rule
Context matters
Use this idiom when someone’s fear is based on a misinterpretation or false perception, not an actual threat.
Word Origin
Originates from a story in the Chinese historical text '《晋书·乐广传》' where a guest mistook the reflection of a bow hanging on the wall as a snake in his wine cup, leading to his illness from fear. The idiom metaphorically describes irrational fears triggered by misinterpretations.
Usage Notes
Commonly used in both spoken and written Chinese to caution against overreacting to imagined threats. Often appears in advice or warnings.