📖 Meaning
In ancient times, 'bin fu' referred to vassal states or border tribes paying regular tribute as a sign of submission and allegiance. The idiom now means to beg for forgiveness and willingly submit or yield to authority.
📜 Origin Story
The idiom comes from the Yuan dynasty anonymous play 'Yan'an Fu' (延安府), Act One. The original line describes seeing someone panic-stricken and hesitant, stumbling left and right, kneeling in the street, pleading and submitting. The scene portrays a person humbly begging for mercy in a public thoroughfare, acknowledging defeat and submission.
💡 Example Usage
那几个盗贼被官府捉住后，纷纷哀告宾服，只求饶命。
After being captured by the authorities, the thieves pleaded and submitted, begging only to be spared.
🏷️ Category
➕ Similar Idioms
➖ Opposite Idioms
🔤 Quick Facts
- Chinese: 哀告宾服
- Pinyin: āi gào bīn fú
- Literal Translation: plead, appeal, submit, obey
- Category: Attitude
- Characters: 4