📖 Meaning
An idiom describing small or fragmentary merits and virtues a person may possess. '寸长' refers to a tiny bit of strength or ability, while '片善' refers to scattered, minor goodness. It is used to acknowledge even the smallest strengths in a person.
📜 Origin Story
The phrase originates from the Song Dynasty scholar-official Ouyang Xiu's memorial '乞补馆职札子' (Memorial Requesting the Supplement of Imperial Library Posts). In it, Ouyang Xiu advocated that those who possessed even the slightest merit or virtue and were praised by others should all be promoted and given official posts. The memorial reflects the Song-era ideal of talent recruitment that valued small strengths rather than demanding perfection.
💡 Example Usage
他虽无大才，但寸长片善也应受到重视。
Though he lacks great talent, even his small merits and virtues deserve recognition.
🏷️ Category
➕ Similar Idioms
➖ Opposite Idioms
🔤 Quick Facts
- Chinese: 寸长片善
- Pinyin: cùn cháng piàn shàn
- Literal Translation: inch, long/strong point, piece/fragment, good/virtue
- Category: Quality
- Characters: 4