草木皆兵
他总是草木皆兵，连小孩的笑声都让他紧张。
He's always seeing enemies everywhere, even children's laughter makes him nervous.
To be extremely paranoid or anxious, perceiving threats where none exist, often due to fear or insecurity.
在战乱时期，人们草木皆兵，连树叶沙沙作响都会让他们惊醒。
During wartime, people were so paranoid that even the rustling of leaves would wake them up.
别草木皆兵了，那只是普通的噪音。
Don't be so paranoid, that's just normal noise.
This idiom is often used to describe someone who is overly cautious or suspicious, sometimes to the point of irrationality.
Related Phrases
Pro Tip
Usage Context
This idiom is often used to describe someone who is overly cautious or suspicious, sometimes to the point of irrationality.
Gold Rule
Literal vs. Figurative
The literal meaning of 'grass and trees all become soldiers' is not about actual soldiers but about perceiving threats where none exist.
Word Origin
This idiom originates from the ancient Chinese military context, where soldiers would mistake ordinary objects like grass and trees for enemies in times of high alert.
Usage Notes
This idiom is commonly used to describe a state of extreme anxiety or paranoia, often in situations where someone is overly cautious or suspicious.