📖 Meaning
This idiom describes the act of going among impoverished and suffering people to understand their living conditions and difficulties. It is commonly used to characterize government officials, leaders, or Party workers who visit grassroots communities to investigate the hardships of ordinary citizens. The phrase conveys a sense of caring governance and close contact with the people.
📜 Origin Story
This idiom originates from a modern Chinese literary work, Guo Shou's 'Record of the Lost Way' (《迷路记》). The passage describes how the Communist Party arrived like spring thunder in the countryside, visiting the poor and inquiring about their hardships. The character Jie Mei is said to have 'seen the sun,' symbolizing hope and liberation brought by the Party's grassroots work. The phrase reflects the revolutionary tradition of connecting with and serving the common people.
💡 Example Usage
县长深入山村访贫问苦，帮助困难群众解决实际问题。
The county magistrate went deep into the mountain villages to visit the poor and inquire about their hardships, helping those in difficulty solve practical problems.
🏷️ Category
➕ Similar Idioms
➖ Opposite Idioms
🔤 Quick Facts
- Chinese: 访贫问苦
- Pinyin: fǎng pín wèn kǔ
- Literal Translation: visit the poor, ask about hardship
- Category: Leadership
- Characters: 4