📖 Meaning
Literally meaning 'one sings here, the other responds there,' this idiom describes mutual echoing or呼应. It is used as a metaphor for people coordinating and reinforcing each other's words or actions, often in a supportive or collusive manner.
📜 Origin Story
The phrase originates from the Qing dynasty scholar Chen Tian's 'Ming Shi Ji Shi' (Chronicles of Ming Poetry), in the preface to the 'Ji Qian' section. Chen described how certain poets, though separated from the 'Former Seven Masters' for decades, still echoed each other's literary voices in perfect harmony, as though following the same track. The idiom thus evokes a scene of natural, responsive agreement between parties.
💡 Example Usage
会议上两人此唱彼和，很快就将提案通过了。
The two echoed each other at the meeting and quickly pushed the proposal through.
🏷️ Category
➕ Similar Idioms
➖ Opposite Idioms
🔤 Quick Facts
- Chinese: 此唱彼和
- Pinyin: cǐ chàng bǐ hè
- Literal Translation: this sing, that respond
- Category: Communication
- Characters: 4