📖 Meaning
This idiom describes someone who serves as the sovereign's eyes, ears, and limbs—a trusted and capable aide or a high minister who assists the ruler in governance. It emphasizes both close intimacy and proven competence, referring to people on whom the ruler relies to see, hear, and act on his behalf.
📜 Origin Story
The idiom originates from Essentials of Government in the Zhenguan Era (《贞观政要》), compiled by the Tang-dynasty historian Wu Jing. In the chapter on governance (《政体》), it records Emperor Taizong of Tang addressing his ministers, declaring that he entrusts his eyes, ears, and limbs to them and urging them to speak out frankly whenever affairs are unsettled. The phrase thereby became a conventional metaphor for the trusted ministers and capable officials who served as the ruler's closest aides.
💡 Example Usage
他深得皇帝信任，是当朝不可或缺的耳目股肱。
He enjoys the emperor's deep trust and serves as an indispensable eyes-and-ears, hands-and-feet aide of the court.
🏷️ Category
➕ Similar Idioms
➖ Opposite Idioms
🔤 Quick Facts
- Chinese: 耳目股肱
- Pinyin: ěr mù gǔ gōng
- Literal Translation: ears, eyes, thigh, arm
- Category: Leadership
- Characters: 4