📖 Meaning
This idiom refers to ignorant, foolish, and clumsy people. It describes individuals who are slow-witted and lack understanding, comparing them to dull-witted children and obtuse men.
📜 Origin Story
The phrase comes from the Qing dynasty scholar Liu Dakui's (刘大櫆) work 'Epitaph for Mr. Min of Wucheng' (《乌程闵君志铭》). Liu praises Mr. Min for his ability to guide and encourage others, noting that his words were so clear and thorough that even the most ignorant and dull people, upon hearing them, felt as if they had been suddenly awakened from a deep dream. The phrase was used to highlight the transformative power of effective teaching and communication.
💡 Example Usage
听了他这番话，便是騣童钝夫也该有所触动。
After hearing his words, even the dullest and most ignorant of people would be moved.
🏷️ Category
➕ Similar Idioms
➖ Opposite Idioms
🔤 Quick Facts
- Chinese: 騣童钝夫
- Pinyin: ái tóng dùn fū
- Literal Translation: foolish child, dull man
- Category: Condition
- Characters: 4