📖 Meaning
Outwardly appearing kind and honest, but with inner thoughts that are impossible to fathom. It describes someone whose gentle, sincere exterior conceals a deep and inscrutable inner nature. This is equivalent to the idiom 厚貌深情.
📜 Origin Story
This idiom originates from the Tang dynasty tale 'The Story of Xie Xiao'e' (谢小娥传) by Li Gongzuo (李公佐). In the story, Xie Xiao'e is described as having a kind, honest appearance but a deep, unfathomable inner nature, being intelligent and exceptional. Despite enduring physical hardships, she vowed to uncover the truth behind her family's murder. The phrase thus characterizes someone whose mild exterior hides a determined and inscrutable resolve.
💡 Example Usage
此人厚貌深辞，旁人始终猜不透他的心思。
This person appears kind on the surface but is impossible to read, and others can never guess what is truly on his mind.
🏷️ Category
➕ Similar Idioms
➖ Opposite Idioms
🔤 Quick Facts
- Chinese: 厚貌深辞
- Pinyin: hòu mào shēn cí
- Literal Translation: thick, appearance, deep, words
- Category: Attitude
- Characters: 4