📖 Meaning
To come up with a unique approach or design that differs from convention. It describes creative thinking that produces something original and unconventional.
📜 Origin Story
The phrase comes from Ming dynasty scholar Li Zhi's preface to 'Water Margin' (《水浒全书发凡》), where he explained his editorial approach to the novel. Li Zhi stated he deliberately departed from the original format, adding his own unique design—either marking headings outside chapters or layering commentary within the text. Over time, the phrase came to mean any idea or method that is ingeniously different from the ordinary.
💡 Example Usage
这位设计师别出心裁，将传统旗袍与现代剪裁结合，推出了一系列令人惊艳的作品。
The designer took an unconventional approach, blending traditional qipao with modern tailoring to launch a stunning collection.
🏷️ Category
➕ Similar Idioms
➖ Opposite Idioms
🔤 Quick Facts
- Chinese: 别出心裁
- Pinyin: bié chū xīn cái
- Literal Translation: separate, out, heart, design
- Category: Method
- Characters: 4