📖 Meaning
Literally 'words of grass-cutters and firewood-gatherers,' this idiom refers to the humble remarks of ordinary commoners. It is also commonly used as a self-deprecating expression by a speaker to modestly downplay the value of their own opinion.
📜 Origin Story
This idiom originates from the Shijing (Classic of Poetry), specifically the 'Ban' ode in the 'Daya' (Greater Odes) section, composed during the Western Zhou dynasty (c. 11th century–771 BCE). The original line reads '先民有言，询于刍荛' — 'the ancients had a saying: consult even the grass-cutters and firewood-gatherers.' It embodies the ancient principle that even the lowliest commoners' opinions deserve a hearing in matters of governance.
💡 Example Usage
在下所言不过刍荛之言，还望大人三思。
What I have said is but the humble opinion of a commoner; I hope Your Excellency will give it careful consideration.
🏷️ Category
➕ Similar Idioms
➖ Opposite Idioms
🔤 Quick Facts
- Chinese: 刍荛之言
- Pinyin: chú ráo zhī yán
- Literal Translation: grass, firewood, of, words
- Category: Communication
- Characters: 4