📖 Meaning
The ears and face both turn red. It describes the flushed complexion that results from excessive exertion, emotional agitation, or feelings of shame and embarrassment.
📜 Origin Story
This idiom originates from 'Shuo Yue Quan Zhuan' (The Complete Story of Yue Fei), a Qing dynasty novel by Qian Cai. In Chapter 61, a jailer approaches Ni Wan and whispers a few words into his ear. Upon hearing the news, Ni Wan is so startled that his ears and face involuntarily flush red. The phrase vividly captures the involuntary physical reaction of blushing when one is shocked, embarrassed, or emotionally overwhelmed.
💡 Example Usage
听到这番话，他顿时耳红面赤，半天说不出一句话来。
Upon hearing these words, his ears and face immediately turned red, and he could not utter a word for a long time.
🏷️ Category
➕ Similar Idioms
➖ Opposite Idioms
🔤 Quick Facts
- Chinese: 耳红面赤
- Pinyin: ěr hóng miàn chì
- Literal Translation: ear, red, face, red
- Category: Emotion
- Characters: 4