📖 Meaning
Refers to exquisite and precious delicacies. The phrase literally describes roasted soft-shelled turtle and finely minced carp, evoking a sumptuous feast. It is used to characterize luxurious banquets and fine cuisine.
📜 Origin Story
This idiom originates from classical Chinese descriptions of lavish feasts. 炰 (páo) means to roast over an open fire, while 脍 (kuài) refers to the technique of finely mincing meat or fish. Together, roasted turtle and minced carp represented the height of culinary refinement in ancient China, dishes typically served at royal or noble banquets. Over time the phrase became a shorthand for any extraordinarily sumptuous spread of food.
💡 Example Usage
宴席上炰鳖脍鲤，珍馐满桌，宾客无不称赏。
At the banquet, roasted turtle and minced carp graced the table among countless delicacies, and every guest praised the feast.
🏷️ Category
➕ Similar Idioms
➖ Opposite Idioms
🔤 Quick Facts
- Chinese: 炰鳖脍鲤
- Pinyin: fèng biē kuài lǐ
- Literal Translation: roast, soft-shelled turtle, mince, carp
- Category: Lifestyle
- Characters: 4