📖 Meaning
A metaphor for vigorous and sharp brushstrokes in calligraphy. It likens the cutting force of a knife's edge and the graceful sweep of a swallow's forked tail to the dual qualities of fine brushwork.
📜 Origin Story
This idiom arises from the tradition of Chinese calligraphic criticism. It pairs two visual metaphors: the keen, forceful tip of a knife (刀头) and the elegant, forked tail of a swallow (燕尾). Together they describe brushwork that is simultaneously powerful and gracefully tapered. No single classical text is cited as its definitive source; rather, it circulated as an evaluative term among calligraphers and literati.
💡 Example Usage
他的行书刀头燕尾，每一笔都刚劲有力。
His running script shows the vigor of a knife's edge and a swallow's tail, every stroke forceful and strong.
🏷️ Category
➕ Similar Idioms
➖ Opposite Idioms
🔤 Quick Facts
- Chinese: 刀头燕尾
- Pinyin: dāo tóu yàn wěi
- Literal Translation: knife head, swallow tail
- Category: Skill
- Characters: 4