📖 Meaning
This idiom describes women's cosmetics and adornment. '粉白' refers to white face powder, while '黛绿' refers to the dark green-black pigment traditionally used to paint eyebrows. Together it evokes the image of beautifully made-up women, and by extension the charming presence of young women.
📜 Origin Story
The phrase originates from the 'Great Summons' (《大招》) by Qu Yuan of the State of Chu during the Warring States period. The original line reads '粉白黛黑，施芳泽只', describing women with powdered faces and darkened eyebrows, applying fragrant oils. The form later shifted from '黛黑' to '黛绿', both referring to the dark eyebrow pigment. Qing dynasty writer Zeng Pu used it in 'The Flower in a Sea of Sin' (《孽海花》) to depict a gathering of elegantly dressed women.
💡 Example Usage
一时粉白黛绿，燕语莺啼，顿时把餐室客厅，化做碧城锦谷。
For a moment the room was filled with powdered faces and painted brows, laughter and chatter, turning the dining room and parlor into a jeweled city of spring.
🏷️ Category
➕ Similar Idioms
➖ Opposite Idioms
🔤 Quick Facts
- Chinese: 粉白黛绿
- Pinyin: fěn bái dài lǜ
- Literal Translation: powder white, eyebrow green
- Category: Lifestyle
- Characters: 4