📖 Meaning
This idiom describes cupping one hand in the other and bowing forward as a traditional gesture of greeting or respect. It conveys a demeanor of deference, humility, or earnest supplication toward someone. It is commonly used to depict someone flattering, obeying, or pleading with another person.
📜 Origin Story
This idiom traces back to the Qing dynasty classic novel Dream of the Red Chamber (红楼梦) by Cao Xueqin, specifically Chapter 27. In the scene, the character Baoyu encounters a misunderstanding and bows respectfully with clasped hands, unaware of the true circumstances behind the evening's incident. The phrase vividly captures the physical motions of traditional Chinese courtesy—cupping hands together while bending forward. Over time, its usage broadened from describing formal greetings to conveying attitudes of subservience, flattery, or desperate entreaty.
💡 Example Usage
他打躬作揖地求老板再给他一次机会。
He clasped his hands and bowed, begging his boss to give him one more chance.
🏷️ Category
➕ Similar Idioms
➖ Opposite Idioms
🔤 Quick Facts
- Chinese: 打躬作揖
- Pinyin: dǎ gōng zuō yī
- Literal Translation: bow, clasp hands, make greeting
- Category: Attitude
- Characters: 4