📖 Meaning
It refers to the luxurious lifestyle of wealthy and noble families, encompassing fine delicacies and elaborate garments. More broadly, it denotes any fine and precious things. The phrase originates from a contrast between material luxury and moral virtue, suggesting that those content with benevolence and righteousness need not covet such extravagance.
📜 Origin Story
This idiom originates from the Mencius (孟子·告子上), where Mencius quotes the Book of Odes: 'Having been drunk with wine, having been satisfied with virtue.' He explains that being filled with benevolence and righteousness means one does not crave the rich flavors of others, and having a good reputation spread upon oneself means one does not covet others' embroidered garments. The commentary notes that 'gao liang' refers to fine grain as smooth as fat, while 'wen xiu' refers to embroidered clothing. Together they represent the height of material luxury in ancient China.
💡 Example Usage
他出身豪门，自幼习惯了膏粱文绣的生活。
Born into a wealthy family, he had been accustomed to a life of luxury since childhood.
🏷️ Category
➕ Similar Idioms
➖ Opposite Idioms
🔤 Quick Facts
- Chinese: 膏粱文绣
- Pinyin: gāo liáng wén xiù
- Literal Translation: rich meats, fine grains, embroidered clothing
- Category: Lifestyle
- Characters: 4