飞觥献斝

fēi gōng xiàn jiǎ
Literal: "fly, goblet, offer, wine vessel"

📖 Meaning

The idiom describes a lively drinking scene where people frequently pass and offer wine cups to one another. It conveys the joyous, animated atmosphere of a banquet in which participants grow increasingly convivial as they share drink after drink.

📜 Origin Story

This phrase originates from the first chapter of "Dream of the Red Chamber" (红楼梦), one of China's Four Great Classical Novels, written by Cao Xueqin during the Qing Dynasty. In the scene, two characters begin by drinking slowly and politely, but as their conversation grows more spirited and absorbing, they unconsciously start passing wine cups back and forth with abandon. The passage vividly captures how genuine camaraderie can transform a restrained gathering into a warm, uninhibited celebration.

💡 Example Usage

宴会上众人飞觥献斝,欢笑声不绝于耳。

At the banquet, everyone passed wine cups back and forth amid endless laughter and chatter.

🏷️ Category

➕ Similar Idioms

➖ Opposite Idioms

🔤 Quick Facts

  • Chinese: 飞觥献斝
  • Pinyin: fēi gōng xiàn jiǎ
  • Literal Translation: fly, goblet, offer, wine vessel
  • Category: Lifestyle
  • Characters: 4