- 跌宕起伏 diēdàngqǐfú ups and downsdescribing events, music, or writing as having great variety, fluctuations, or dramatic changes; full of twists and turns
- 思潮起伏 sīcháoqǐfú surging thoughtsthoughts or emotions rising and falling like waves in one's mind; a state of mental flux or deep contemplation
- 波澜起伏 bōlánqǐfú undulatingone climax follows another (as in a thrilling story); full of ups and downs