1.
being totally lost, in the dark, groping in the fog
A state of confusion where one cannot see the way forward or understand the situation.
FOUR-CHARACTER IDIOM (四字熟語):
Literally means "in fog for five ri" (a ri is an old Japanese unit of distance, about 4 km). The imagery is of being lost in thick fog where you cannot see anything around you.
ORIGIN:
From a Chinese legend about a Taoist who could create fog that extended for five ri.
USAGE:
- Often used when describing situations with no clear solution or direction