📖 Meaning
A trivial or insignificant skill, likened to the ancient craft of carving intricate insect-like patterns. It is used to modestly dismiss one's own minor accomplishments or to belittle petty craftsmanship. Essentially synonymous with '雕虫小技'.
📜 Origin Story
The phrase originates from the preface written by Shen Yue of the Liang dynasty during the Southern Dynasties, where he wrote '雕虫小艺，无累大道' ('carving insects is a minor art, and does not burden the great Way'). It refers to the old practice of carving delicate patterns resembling insects, regarded as a lowly craft. The idiom later appeared in the 'History of the Northern Dynasties' (北史) in the biography of Zhang Puhui, used to contrast trivial skill with greater achievements. Historically it was often applied to dismiss ornate but shallow literary composition.
💡 Example Usage
此乃雕虫小艺，何足挂齿？
This is but a trivial skill, hardly worth mentioning.
🏷️ Category
➕ Similar Idioms
➖ Opposite Idioms
🔤 Quick Facts
- Chinese: 雕虫小艺
- Pinyin: diāo chóng xiǎo yì
- Literal Translation: carving, insects, small, art
- Category: Skill
- Characters: 4