浮出水面

fúchūshuǐmiàn

phrase

Meanings

1 to float to the surface
2 (figurative) to come to light / become evident
3 to surface (of an issue)

Characters

Examples

随着调查深入，幕后黑手逐渐浮出水面。

Suízhe diàochá shēnrù, mùhòu hēishǒu zhújiàn fúchū shuǐmiàn.

As the investigation deepened, the masterminds behind the scenes gradually came to light.

潜艇浮出水面后立即进行信号联络。

Qiántǐng fúchū shuǐmiàn hòu lìjí jìnxíng xìnhào liánluò.

After the submarine surfaced, it immediately made signal contact.

Tips

register

Equally common in literal (submarines, divers, dead fish) and figurative (scandals, suspects, hidden facts) senses. The metaphorical use is heavily favored in news reporting on investigations.

usage

Often paired with 逐渐 (gradually) or 终于 (finally): 真相终于浮出水面 'the truth finally surfaced'.

Stroke Order

浮 fú

出 chū

水 shuǐ

面 miàn