Chinese Idiom 46

Meaning: This idiom translates to "swallows flying separately due to hard work." It refers to family members or friends being scattered or separated due to various obligations or responsibilities.

Explanation: The phrase originates from a metaphorical image of swallows flying apart after diligently gathering food for their young, symbolizing the dispersal of individuals after working hard to fulfill their duties.

Usage: "劳燕分飞" is often used to describe the separation or dispersion of people who were once close due to work, study, or other obligations.

Example: If siblings have to move to different cities for work or study, one might say, "他们因工作而分别到不同的城市，像劳燕分飞一样" (tāmen yīn gōng zuò ér fēn bié dào bù tóng de chéng shì, xiàng láo yàn fēn fēi yī yàng), meaning "They are scattered to different cities for work, like swallows flying separately due to hard work."