Proverb / Kotowaza
風雲急を告げる
Indicates a tense atmosphere where major events, disturbances, or social upheavals are imminent.
The wind and clouds announce an emergency
Quick Answer
Indicates a tense atmosphere where major events, disturbances, or social upheavals are imminent.
- Literal Image
- The wind and clouds announce an emergency
- How to Use It
- Used to describe high-stakes situations such as impending conflicts, political unrest, or sudden market volatility.
Meaning
This expression describes a situation where a major shift, crisis, or incident is about to break out. It conveys a sense of pressing urgency and ominous tension, suggesting that a situation has reached a tipping point where rapid change is unavoidable.
Literal Image
The wind and clouds announce an emergency
How to Use It
Used to describe high-stakes situations such as impending conflicts, political unrest, or sudden market volatility.
Tone
Literary and serious; found in news reporting, historical analysis, or dramatic narratives.
Examples
両軍の主力部隊が国境付近に集結し、戦場の情勢はまさに風雲急を告げる事態となった。
With the main forces of both armies gathering near the border, the battlefield situation became critical, signaling an imminent outbreak of war.
業界最大手の合併ニュースが飛び込み、市場は風雲急を告げる展開を見せている。
Following the news of a merger between the industry's top companies, the market has entered a period of extreme tension and rapid change.
Learning Notes
Key Vocabulary
Combines the literary noun 'fuuun' with the formal verb 'tsugeru' in an idiomatic structure found in formal or historical writing.
風雲
ふううん / fuuun
wind and clouds; a situation ripe for change or opportunity
急
きゅう / kyuu
urgency; emergency; sudden
告げる
つげる / tsugeru
to announce; to signal; to inform
Usage Profile
Usage note: This is a formal and dramatic expression; it is not used for minor daily inconveniences.
Misread Risk
Do not use this to simply mean 'it started raining'; it specifically refers to the tense atmosphere before a social or literal 'storm' of events.
Search As
Related Proverbs
Origin
The term 'fuuun' (wind and clouds) originates from the image of a dragon riding the clouds to ascend to heaven, symbolizing significant social shifts or opportunities for heroes to emerge. When these 'wind and clouds' are said to 'announce an emergency' (tsugeru kyuu), it indicates that a massive change or upheaval is close at hand.
Index
Topics, Situations, and Tags
Topics
Situations
Tags
Source Note
Where did this entry get its data from? The reference links are listed below. To understand how to read this section, see Data Sources.