📖 Meaning
To see through what is obscure and illuminate the minutest details. It describes a sharp, penetrating insight that can perceive deeply hidden and subtle aspects of things. Often used to praise someone's exceptional discernment or analytical ability.
📜 Origin Story
The phrase originates from a preface by the Ming dynasty writer Wu Cheng'en, titled 'Preface to Lord Shao Bao's Report on Governance.' In it, Wu praises an official for possessing the clarity to perceive distant and hidden matters, alongside a composed and unhurried demeanor. The idiom highlights a rare combination of acute perceptiveness and measured judgment. It later came to be used broadly to commend those who can discern subtle truths others overlook.
💡 Example Usage
这位老侦探洞幽烛微，仅凭案发现场的蛛丝马迹便锁定了嫌疑人。
The veteran detective, with his penetrating insight, identified the suspect from mere traces left at the crime scene.
🏷️ Category
➕ Similar Idioms
➖ Opposite Idioms
🔤 Quick Facts
- Chinese: 洞幽烛微
- Pinyin: dòng yōu zhú wēi
- Literal Translation: penetrate, hidden, illuminate, minute
- Category: Wisdom
- Characters: 4