风刀霜剑

fēngdāoshuāngjiàn

风刀霜剑 — fēngdāoshuāngjiàn

1. literally “wind knives and frost swords”; a metaphor for severe weather or harsh conditions; used figuratively for hardships, severe trials, or harsh criticism

   冬天的山路上，风刀霜剑，行人要小心防寒保暖。 dōngtiān de shān lùshàng fēngdāoshuāngjiàn xíngrén yào xiǎoxīn fánghánbǎonuǎn — On the mountain road in winter, with wind knives and frost swords, travelers must be careful to keep warm.