📖 Meaning
This idiom describes seeking out every possible avenue and connection to achieve a goal, like squeezing through any crack or gap available. It portrays someone who relentlessly looks for openings, doorways, and opportunities, often to curry favor or advance their interests.
📜 Origin Story
This idiom originates from Stories to Awaken the World (醒世恒言), compiled by Feng Menglong during the Ming Dynasty. In Volume Seven, the text describes how anyone with even a modest share of talent or beauty would eagerly seek out every possible connection, begging matchmakers to arrange a suitable match. The vivid image of searching for wind and stitching together seams captures the desperation and resourcefulness of those trying to find any opening to advance their aims.
💡 Example Usage
为了让孩子进好学校，家长们四处挨风缉缝，托人找关系。
To get their children into good schools, parents seek out every possible connection and pull every string they can find.
🏷️ Category
➕ Similar Idioms
➖ Opposite Idioms
🔤 Quick Facts
- Chinese: 挨风缉缝
- Pinyin: āi fēng jī fèng
- Literal Translation: approach wind, seek seams
- Category: Method
- Characters: 4