📖 Meaning
To mention one thing but omit ten thousand others. It describes an account or description that is far from comprehensive, leaving out a great deal. Often used humbly to acknowledge that one's summary or report is inevitably incomplete.
📜 Origin Story
The idiom originates from a poem by the Tang dynasty scholar Han Yu (韩愈), titled 'Nanshan' (南山, 'Southern Mountain'). In the line '团辞试提挈，挂一念万漏,' Han Yu attempts to capture the overwhelming grandeur of Mount Zhongnan in words, only to find that whatever he describes barely scratches the surface while countless details slip away. The phrase was later condensed into the four-character idiom 挂一漏万, conveying the humility of knowing one's words can never fully encompass reality.
💡 Example Usage
由于时间有限，这篇报告难免挂一漏万，敬请指正。
Given the limited time, this report inevitably leaves out much and is far from comprehensive; please feel free to point out any omissions.
🏷️ Category
➕ Similar Idioms
➖ Opposite Idioms
🔤 Quick Facts
- Chinese: 挂一漏万
- Pinyin: guà yī lòu wàn
- Literal Translation: hang one, leak ten thousand
- Category: Communication
- Characters: 4