📖 Meaning
The ancient melody is no longer played. It metaphorically refers to something outdated that has fallen out of favor and is no longer appreciated by people. The idiom laments how old-fashioned things, despite their value, are often neglected by the modern crowd.
📜 Origin Story
The idiom originates from a poem titled 'Listening to Someone Play the Lute' by the Tang dynasty poet Liu Changqing. The poem describes the clear, crisp sound of the seven-stringed zither and the wind blowing through pine trees. Liu writes that although he personally loves the ancient melodies, most people of his time no longer play them. The verse reflects his melancholy that refined classical music has been abandoned by contemporary society.
💡 Example Usage
这些老手艺如今古调不弹，年轻人几乎无人问津了。
These old crafts have fallen out of favor nowadays, with almost no young people showing any interest.
🏷️ Category
➕ Similar Idioms
➖ Opposite Idioms
🔤 Quick Facts
- Chinese: 古调不弹
- Pinyin: gǔ diào bù tán
- Literal Translation: ancient, tune, not, play
- Category: Status
- Characters: 4