📖 Meaning
To shut one's mouth and say nothing. It describes someone who remains completely silent, often out of indignation, grief, or a firm refusal to speak. The phrase conveys a deliberate, resolute silence rather than mere speechlessness.
📜 Origin Story
This idiom originates from the 'Book of Jin' (晋书), in the biography of Ji Yi (吉挹) of the Eastern Jin dynasty. Ji Yi was a loyal official captured by enemy forces; his words were resolute and noble, and he was determined not to bring shame upon himself. He took up weapons, expecting to die in battle, but his subordinates restrained him and prevented his immediate death. He then shut his mouth and refused to speak, ultimately starving himself to death in defiance.
💡 Example Usage
面对众人的质问，他杜口无言，转身离去。
Faced with everyone's questioning, he shut his mouth and said nothing, then turned and left.
🏷️ Category
➕ Similar Idioms
➖ Opposite Idioms
🔤 Quick Facts
- Chinese: 杜口无言
- Pinyin: dù kǒu wú yán
- Literal Translation: shut, mouth, no, words
- Category: Attitude
- Characters: 4