📖 Meaning
Literally refers to a tall, large horse. Figuratively, it is also used to describe a person who is tall and powerfully built. The phrase conveys an impression of imposing size and strength.
📜 Origin Story
The phrase appears in the Qing dynasty novel Sui Tang Yanyi (Romance of Sui and Tang) by Chu Renhuo, in the eleventh chapter. In the scene, a character is described as wearing all new clothes, having neatly packed bedding, carrying weapons, and riding a tall, large horse (高头大马). The vivid description underscores the character's imposing and well-equipped appearance, and over time the phrase came to be used both for magnificent horses and for tall, sturdy people.
💡 Example Usage
那员大将骑着一匹高头大马，威风凛凛地走在队伍最前面。
That general rode a tall, powerful horse at the very front of the column, looking every inch the picture of martial grandeur.
🏷️ Category
➕ Similar Idioms
➖ Opposite Idioms
🔤 Quick Facts
- Chinese: 高头大马
- Pinyin: gāo tóu dà mǎ
- Literal Translation: tall, head, big, horse
- Category: Quality
- Characters: 4