太岁头上动土

太岁头上动土

Literally means:

break ground where Taisui, the God of the Year, presides

Actually means:

offend one far superior in power or strength

太岁, a god in ancient Chinese myth. According to old Chinese superstition, people would suffer evil luck if they do construction work in the place where Tai Sui appears.

This phrase figuratively means one is bold enough to offend the domineering or malicious forces or individuals without fearing the misfortune this may incur on himself.

太岁，中国古代传说中的一种神。古人迷信，认为在太岁出现的地方施工会遭殃。

太岁头上动土，比喻不怕遭殃，敢于招惹强者，或招惹强横凶暴的势力或个人。