📖 Meaning
The common people bring food in baskets and drink in pitchers to welcome an army they love and support. It describes a situation where troops are warmly received and enthusiastically supported by the populace. The idiom conveys genuine popular acclaim for a benevolent or liberating force.
📜 Origin Story
The phrase originates from the 'Mencius' (《孟子·梁惠王上》), a foundational Confucian text of the Warring States period. Mencius advised King Hui of Liang that a truly righteous ruler's army would be greeted by百姓 carrying food in bamboo baskets and drink in pitchers, eager to welcome the king's forces. The image became a classic metaphor for popular support of a just cause. It was later quoted in Luo Guanzhong's 'Romance of the Three Kingdoms' to describe local people welcoming Cao Cao's victorious troops.
💡 Example Usage
解放军进城时，百姓箪食壶浆，夹道欢迎。
When the liberation army entered the city, the common people came out with food and drink to welcome them along the streets.
🏷️ Category
➕ Similar Idioms
➖ Opposite Idioms
🔤 Quick Facts
- Chinese: 箪食壶浆
- Pinyin: dān sì hú jiāng
- Literal Translation: basket, food, pitcher, beverage
- Category: Action
- Characters: 4