complicated twists and turns; troublesome situation
A yojijukugo describing a situation full of complications, upheavals, and difficulties, often used for life stories, projects, or relationships.
His life was full of twists and turns.
This project was a series of complicated twists and turns.
波瀾万丈 also means a stormy or eventful life, but emphasizes dramatic ups and downs, while 波瀾曲折 focuses more on complicated, winding difficulties.
Standard kanji form for this yojijukugo.
Variant using 乱 instead of 瀾; both are used.
A yojijukugo combining 波瀾 (waves and ripples, i.e., disturbances) and 曲折 (twists and turns). The exact historical derivation is uncertain, but the phrase figuratively describes a situation full of complications.