📖 Meaning
To respond to something with a smile or a laugh. It figuratively means to dismiss something as not worth taking seriously, treating it lightly rather than becoming upset or argumentative about it. It conveys a breezy, unconcerned attitude toward matters one deems trivial.
📜 Origin Story
This idiom originates from the Qing dynasty novel Flowers of Shanghai (海上花列传) by Han Bangqing, appearing in Chapter 6. In the scene, the character Zhongying suddenly grasps what is meant and responds with a laugh before settling into a high chair to continue his conversation. The phrase captures the act of brushing off a matter with amusement rather than concern, reflecting a casual, untroubled disposition.
💡 Example Usage
对他的挑衅，她付诸一笑，转身离开了。
She simply laughed off his provocation and walked away.
🏷️ Category
➕ Similar Idioms
➖ Opposite Idioms
🔤 Quick Facts
- Chinese: 付诸一笑
- Pinyin: fù zhū yī xiào
- Literal Translation: hand over, to, one, laugh
- Category: Attitude
- Characters: 4