- 死灰复燃 sǐhuīfùrán to reignitereigniting of ashes that have already been extinguished; to burn once more
- 面如死灰 miànrúsǐhuī deathly palehaving a complexion as gray and lifeless as cold ashes
- 心如死灰 xīnrúsǐhuī hopelessly apatheticto be utterly despondent; describes a state of mind that is like cold ashes, where one is no longer moved by outside things or has lost all hope and enthusiasm
- 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.
- 枯木死灰 kūmùsǐhuī lifeless and indifferentlike dead wood and cold ashes; describing a state of extreme apathy, lack of vitality, or complete emotional detachment