📖 Meaning
An elegant classical expression describing the act of grinding ink with dewdrops to produce pearl-like ink drops while writing or studying. It evokes a serene, refined scholarly atmosphere of diligent study pursued in solitude and quiet contemplation.
📜 Origin Story
This idiom originates from the Tang dynasty poet Gao Pian's (高骈) poem 'Bu Xu Ci' (《步虚词》), which depicts Taoist cultivation and spiritual refinement. The line reads '洞门深锁碧窗寒，滴露研珠写《周易》' — portraying a Taoist recluse secluded behind locked doors by cold green windows, gathering dewdrops to grind ink and copy the Book of Changes (Zhou Yi). The verse captures the tranquil, devoted life of a scholar-immersed in classical wisdom.
💡 Example Usage
夜深人静，他独坐书房，滴露研珠细读古卷。
In the deep of night, he sat alone in his study, grinding ink with dewdrops as he pored over ancient scrolls.
🏷️ Category
➕ Similar Idioms
➖ Opposite Idioms
🔤 Quick Facts
- Chinese: 滴露研珠
- Pinyin: dī lù yán zhū
- Literal Translation: drip dew, grind pearl
- Category: Learning
- Characters: 4