📖 Meaning
To remain respectfully silent and maintain a quiet, composed demeanor. It describes someone who speaks only when necessary and avoids unnecessary social interaction. The phrase conveys a sense of cautious restraint and dignified reserve.
📜 Origin Story
The phrase originates from the 'Records of the Three Kingdoms' (三国志), specifically in the biography of Liu Ba (刘巴) in the Book of Shu (蜀书). Liu Ba had surrendered to Liu Bei relatively late and felt his allegiance was not longstanding, so he feared being suspected or distrusted. He therefore chose to remain respectfully silent, avoid private associations, and speak only on official matters. This demonstrated his prudence and self-discipline in a politically sensitive situation.
💡 Example Usage
他在会上恭默守静，不轻易发表意见。
He remained respectfully silent at the meeting, not轻易 expressing his opinions.
🏷️ Category
➕ Similar Idioms
➖ Opposite Idioms
🔤 Quick Facts
- Chinese: 恭默守静
- Pinyin: gōng mò shǒu jìng
- Literal Translation: respectful, silent, maintain, quiet
- Category: Attitude
- Characters: 4