📖 Meaning
To speak in a rapid, agitated manner with a harsh and stern facial expression. It describes the angry and severe look someone has when they are upset and speaking harshly to others.
📜 Origin Story
The phrase traces back to the 'Book of the Later Han' (《后汉书》), specifically the biography of Liu Kuan (刘宽) of the Eastern Han dynasty. Liu Kuan was known for his exceptionally gentle temperament; even in urgent situations, he never spoke hastily or showed a stern expression, as recorded: 'though in haste, he never had rapid speech or harsh expression.' Over time the phrase came to describe the opposite behavior — someone who speaks impatiently with an angry, severe look.
💡 Example Usage
父亲疾言厉色地训斥了逃学的儿子。
The father scolded his truant son with harsh words and a stern face.
🏷️ Category
➕ Similar Idioms
➖ Opposite Idioms
🔤 Quick Facts
- Chinese: 疾言厉色
- Pinyin: jí yán lì sè
- Literal Translation: rapid, speech, severe, expression
- Category: Attitude
- Characters: 4