📖 Meaning
Literally meaning 'not content to stay in one's own chamber,' this idiom refers to a married woman who engages in illicit sexual relations outside her marriage. It carries a strong tone of moral condemnation toward marital infidelity.
📜 Origin Story
This idiom originates from the preface to the ode 'Kaifeng' (凯风) in the Book of Songs (诗经), within the Odes of Bei (邶风). The preface describes how the state of Wei (卫) was plagued by licentious customs, such that even a mother of seven sons could not remain faithful to her household. The ode itself is traditionally interpreted as a lament by the seven sons, who express shame and sorrow over their mother's unfaithfulness. The phrase '不能安其室' (could not settle in her chamber) was later condensed into the four-character idiom '不安于室.'
💡 Example Usage
她婚后不安于室，最终导致家庭破裂。
After marriage she was unfaithful, ultimately causing the family to fall apart.
🏷️ Category
➕ Similar Idioms
➖ Opposite Idioms
🔤 Quick Facts
- Chinese: 不安于室
- Pinyin: bù ān yú shì
- Literal Translation: not, peaceful, in, chamber
- Category: Morality
- Characters: 4