- 一潭死水 yītánsǐshuǐ stagnant watera pool of stagnant water; a situation that is completely stagnant, listless, or lacks any vitality
- 心如死水 xīnrúsǐshuǐ heart like stagnant waterTo have a heart like a pool of stagnant water; describes being utterly disheartened or indifferent, having lost all desire, hope, or emotional passion