📖 Meaning
A polite expression asking someone to generously share their valuable insights, writings, or advice. "Pearls and jade" (珠玉) metaphorically refers to precious words or brilliant ideas. It is used when humbly requesting someone's literary contribution or guidance.
📜 Origin Story
From the Ming dynasty collection "Slapping the Table in Amazement" (初刻拍案惊奇) by Ling Mengchu, Volume 9. An old man, hearing an oriole singing beautifully in a tree, asked a scholar named Baizhu to compose a poem about the oriole in the "Man Jiang Hong" tune, courteously saying he hoped Baizhu would not spare his pearls and jade — requesting his brilliant verse. The phrase later became a standard humble expression for seeking someone's literary or intellectual contribution.
💡 Example Usage
恳请各位前辈不吝珠玉，为本书撰写序言。
We earnestly ask our respected seniors not to spare their pearls and jade, and to write a preface for this book.
🏷️ Category
➕ Similar Idioms
➖ Opposite Idioms
🔤 Quick Facts
- Chinese: 不吝珠玉
- Pinyin: bù lìn zhū yù
- Literal Translation: not, spare, pearl, jade
- Category: Communication
- Characters: 4