📖 Meaning
Refers to leisure time after meals and drinking, when people relax and chat. It describes casual moments of rest and idle conversation. The idiom evokes a relaxed social atmosphere where people share stories and gossip.
📜 Origin Story
The phrase originates from a verse by the Yuan dynasty playwright Guan Hanqing in his song 'Douchun'er: Female Football Player' (《斗鹌鹑·女校尉》), where he wrote 'after tea and a full meal, invite old friends to the pleasure houses to dispel boredom and sorrow.' Over time, the expression evolved to refer broadly to leisure time spent after drinking tea or wine. It became a common way to describe moments when people casually discuss topics or share anecdotes in a relaxed setting.
💡 Example Usage
这件事很快成了人们茶余酒后的谈资。
This matter quickly became a topic of conversation during people's leisure time.
🏷️ Category
➕ Similar Idioms
➖ Opposite Idioms
🔤 Quick Facts
- Chinese: 茶余酒后
- Pinyin: chá yú jiǔ hòu
- Literal Translation: tea, after, wine, after
- Category: Lifestyle
- Characters: 4