📖 Meaning
This idiom describes someone who studies with extreme diligence and determination. It combines two stories of ancient scholars who resorted to painful measures to stay awake while studying. It is used to praise relentless dedication to learning.
📜 Origin Story
The idiom draws from two historical figures known for their punishing study habits. Su Qin of the Warring States period, when drowsy from reading, would stab his own thigh with an awl to stay awake, as recorded in 'Zhan Guo Ce'. Sun Jing of the Han dynasty, who loved studying day and night, tied a rope from his hair to the roof beam so that nodding off would jerk him awake, as noted in 'Tai Ping Yu Lan'. Together their stories became the enduring symbol of scholarly perseverance.
💡 Example Usage
他为了考上理想的大学，刺股悬梁地苦读了三年。
To get into his dream university, he studied with extreme diligence for three years.
🏷️ Category
➕ Similar Idioms
➖ Opposite Idioms
🔤 Quick Facts
- Chinese: 刺股悬梁
- Pinyin: cì gǔ xuán liáng
- Literal Translation: pierce, thigh, hang, beam
- Category: Perseverance
- Characters: 4