📖 Meaning
Originally, this idiom described how an only son, spoiled by excessive indulgence, grows arrogant and brings harm upon his parents. It is now used metaphorically to refer to a helpless, isolated person who has no choice but to seek assistance from others.
📜 Origin Story
This idiom originates from a commentary in the 'Book of the Later Han' (《后汉书·仇览传》), which cites Xie Cheng's (谢丞) version of the same history. The original text reads '孤独触乳，骄子骂母' — an orphaned calf butts the udder, and a spoiled child scolds his mother — illustrating how overindulgence breeds rebellion that harms the very people who doted on the child. During the Eastern Han period, Qiu Lan (仇览) was known as a principled local official who emphasized moral education, and this passage was used to caution against spoiling children. Over time, the phrase evolved to also describe a person without support seeking help from others.
💡 Example Usage
他孤犊触乳，四处求人帮助，却无人愿意伸出援手。
With no one to rely on, he went everywhere seeking help, yet no one was willing to lend a hand.
🏷️ Category
➕ Similar Idioms
➖ Opposite Idioms
🔤 Quick Facts
- Chinese: 孤犊触乳
- Pinyin: gū dú chù rǔ
- Literal Translation: orphaned, calf, bumps, udder
- Category: Condition
- Characters: 4