📖 Meaning
In traditional Chinese opera, 'chū cǎi' referred to the technique of smearing red liquid on stage to simulate bleeding during a killing scene. The idiom metaphorically means to have one's secret exposed or to be publicly embarrassed in front of an audience.
📜 Origin Story
This idiom originates from 'Erke Paian Jingqi' (二刻拍案惊奇), a renowned collection of vernacular short stories compiled by Ling Mengchu during the Ming Dynasty. In Volume 30, a character suggests privately settling a matter rather than letting it be publicly exposed. The theatrical imagery of simulated bloodshed on stage became a metaphor for the public revelation of secrets or loss of face.
💡 Example Usage
他撒的谎被揭穿，当场出彩，满脸通红。
After his lie was exposed, he was publicly embarrassed, his face turning bright red.
🏷️ Category
➕ Similar Idioms
➖ Opposite Idioms
🔤 Quick Facts
- Chinese: 当场出彩
- Pinyin: dāng chǎng chū cǎi
- Literal Translation: on the spot, produce, color
- Category: Status
- Characters: 4