📖 Meaning
Literally 'to stand with feet turned sideways.' It describes a posture of fear or awe, where one dares not stand upright or at ease in the presence of someone formidable. The idiom conveys a sense of reverence, intimidation, or apprehension.
📜 Origin Story
This phrase originates from the 'Book of the Later Han' (后汉书), in the biography of Wu Han (吴汉). Wu Han was a renowned Eastern Han general known for his formidable strength and unwavering resolve. The text records that whenever he accompanied Emperor Guangwu on military campaigns, while the emperor had not yet settled and rested, Wu Han would always stand with his feet turned sideways — a posture of constant vigilance and readiness. The expression thus came to denote standing in awe or apprehension, unable to relax in the presence of someone powerful or threatening.
💡 Example Usage
面对威严的老将军，年轻的士兵们无不侧足而立，不敢有丝毫懈怠。
Facing the imposing old general, the young soldiers all stood sideways in awe, not daring to show the slightest negligence.
🏷️ Category
➕ Similar Idioms
➖ Opposite Idioms
🔤 Quick Facts
- Chinese: 侧足而立
- Pinyin: cè zú ér lì
- Literal Translation: side, foot, and, stand
- Category: Attitude
- Characters: 4