疾风知劲草

疾风知劲草

Literally means:

the force of the wind tests the strength of the grass

Actually means:

calamity is man's true touchstone

疾风 means wind of strong force. 劲草 means grass of powerful strength. Strong gusts of wind tell what types of grass are firm and indomitable.

This phrase figuratively means only fierce fighting or difficult conditions will test whether someone can stand up to setbacks, whether he has a determined mind and standpoint. It is usually used on formal occasions.

疾风，速度极快的风。劲草，强劲有力的草。在迅猛的大风中，才知道哪些草是坚韧的，不可摧折的。

比喻只有在激烈的斗争中或艰苦的环境里，才能知道一个人或集体是否经得起打击，是否强大有力，其意志和立场是否坚定，等等。多用于书面、正式的场合。