📖 Meaning
People carrying pots of wine and refreshments fill the roads, describing a scene where the populace enthusiastically welcomes an army they support. It conveys genuine popular support and jubilation at the arrival of a favored military force. The image is of crowds lining the streets with offerings of food and drink.
📜 Origin Story
The phrase originates from the Biography of Yu Yi in the Book of Zhou (周书·于翼传), a dynastic history of the Northern Zhou dynasty. When Yu Yi returned to Xiangcheng, the local officials and common people were overjoyed to see him again and thronged the roads bearing pots of wine to welcome him. This demonstrated the deep affection and loyalty the populace held for Yu Yi's governance. The expression has since become a classical description of heartfelt popular welcome for a beloved leader or army.
💡 Example Usage
百姓听说义军到来，纷纷壶浆塞道，夹道欢迎。
Hearing that the righteous army had arrived, the common people filled the roads bearing pots of refreshments to welcome them.
🏷️ Category
➕ Similar Idioms
➖ Opposite Idioms
🔤 Quick Facts
- Chinese: 壶浆塞道
- Pinyin: hú jiāng sāi dào
- Literal Translation: pot, beverage, block, road
- Category: Success
- Characters: 4