Chinese idiom · 成语
闻风而动
Meaning
Move upon hearing the wind; swift response.
Character by character
Origin and story
Literary usageThe expression describes responding promptly when news reaches you: 风 conveys information spreading, rather than a literal gust pushing someone into motion. Han Dian connects it with the related wording 闻风而起 in Chen Liang's Song memorial essay Ji Zhao Wei Mu Fu Ren Wen. That is a related expression, not an occurrence of these exact four characters.
The dictionary also cites an exact modern literary use in Wang Xiyan's Pian Zi He Da Shou. These records establish the phrase's meaning and related wording, but not a unique originating incident. Its speed can be praised or criticized depending on who acts and why.
Sources and further reading
In everyday life
听说社区缺志愿者，附近的居民闻风而动，纷纷来报名。
When word spread that the community needed volunteers, nearby residents quickly came to sign up.
Prompt action in response to news; the phrase itself does not determine whether the action is good.