📖 Meaning
To close one's door and cut oneself off from the outside world. It describes a person who deliberately isolates themselves from society and refuses all contact with others.
📜 Origin Story
This phrase originates from the Book of Han (汉书), in the commentary on the biographies of Zhang Liang, Chen Ping, Wang Ling, and Zhou Bo. During the reign of Empress Lü, the political situation was highly turbulent. Wang Ling openly argued in court against Empress Lü's attempt to grant noble titles to members of the Lü clan. After being demoted, he shut his door and completely severed himself from public life, refusing to serve the regime. The historian noted that each person followed their own convictions.
💡 Example Usage
他遭到排挤后杜门自绝，从此不再参与任何社交活动。
After being marginalized, he shut his door and cut himself off from the world, never participating in any social activities again.
🏷️ Category
➕ Similar Idioms
➖ Opposite Idioms
🔤 Quick Facts
- Chinese: 杜门自绝
- Pinyin: dù mén zì jué
- Literal Translation: shut door, self, sever
- Category: Attitude
- Characters: 4