- 槁木死灰 gǎomùsǐhuī deadwood and cold ashesLiterally meaning dried-out wood and cold ashes; originally referring to the Taoist state of leaving behind one's physical body and worldly desires, it now describes a person who is completely spiritless, disheartened, or indifferent to everything.
- 形如槁木 xíngrúgǎomù withered appearanceto have a physical appearance like dry wood, describing someone who is extremely thin, haggard, or lacking any sign of life or vitality