This idiom is common in modern Chinese. But its meaning has totally changed from original meaning was the complete opposite.

"Won't stop until something shocking is said" (语不惊人死不休 yǔ bù jīng rén sǐ bù xiū)

The source:

A poem by Du Fu (杜甫), the Tang Dynasty poet widely regarded as one of the greatest in Chinese literary history.

The line appears in Polishing My Work (江上值水如海势聊短述), written around 760 CE.

The full line:

"By nature a recluse, obsessed with finding the perfect line — I will not rest until my words move people to their core."

为人性僻耽佳句，语不惊人死不休。

Du Fu was describing a poet's relentless pursuit of language that genuinely moves people — refusing to settle until every word earns its place.

In modern usage, the meaning has changed.

It now describes someone who deliberately says something provocative or extreme — prioritising impact over truth.

Example:

He always has to say something that stops everyone in their tracks. 他就是语不惊人死不休，总要说出让人瞠目结舌的话。

Use it to describe someone who doesn't think before they speak, or says things for effect.