📖 Meaning
Refers to a foolishly naive person who shows misplaced mercy to evil people. Named after Mr. Dongguo, who rescued a wolf only to nearly be eaten by it. Used to criticize blind kindness that endangers oneself.
📜 Origin Story
The idiom originates from the Ming dynasty tale 'The Tale of the Wolf of Zhongshan' (《中山狼传》) attributed to Ma Zhongxi. In the story, a scholar named Mr. Dongguo rescues a wolf being hunted by Zhao Jianzi, hiding it in his book bag. Once the danger passes, the wolf turns on him and attempts to eat him. He is saved only by a passing farmer who tricks the wolf back into the bag and kills it.
💡 Example Usage
你对这些骗子大发善心，简直是东郭先生。
Showing mercy to these scammers makes you a regular Mr. Dongguo.
🏷️ Category
➕ Similar Idioms
➖ Opposite Idioms
🔤 Quick Facts
- Chinese: 东郭先生
- Pinyin: dōng guō xiān shēng
- Literal Translation: east, outer wall, mister, scholar
- Category: Wisdom
- Characters: 4