📖 Meaning
This idiom metaphorically praises two brothers who are both outstanding and capable. It originally referred to two descendants of Duke Hui of Qi whose combined brilliance sustained their clan, and is now used to commend brothers who are equally admirable in talent and character.
📜 Origin Story
The phrase originates from the Zuo Zhuan (左传), in the third year of Duke Zhao's reign (539 BC). During the Spring and Autumn period, the state of Qi was ruled by the Jiang (姜) clan. Two prominent descendants of Duke Hui of Qi (齐惠公), known as the 'two Huis,' were both virtuous and capable leaders. A minister lamented that while the two competed in brilliance the clan's future was still secure, but with the loss of one of them, the Jiang clan faced grave danger. The idiom thus came to symbolize two brothers who are equally outstanding.
💡 Example Usage
他们兄弟二人二惠竞爽，各自在学术和商界都取得了卓越的成就。
The two brothers are both outstanding, each achieving remarkable success in academia and business respectively.
🏷️ Category
➕ Similar Idioms
➖ Opposite Idioms
🔤 Quick Facts
- Chinese: 二惠竞爽
- Pinyin: èr huì jìng shuǎng
- Literal Translation: two, virtue, compete, brilliant
- Category: Quality
- Characters: 4