📖 Meaning
A humble euphemism for one's own wife, literally meaning 'the servant of the dustpan and broom.' It originally referred to the person who handled household sweeping chores and became a self-deprecating way to speak of one's spouse in classical Chinese.
📜 Origin Story
This idiom originates from 'Han Shi Wai Zhuan' (韩诗外传), Volume 9, compiled during the Han Dynasty. King Zhuang of Chu sent an envoy bearing a hundred catties of gold to recruit the scholar Mr. Beiguo (北郭先生). The scholar replied, 'I have a servant of the dustpan and broom — I wish to go in and consult with her,' humbly referring to his wife. His willingness to seek his wife's counsel before accepting a royal appointment demonstrated deep respect for her. The phrase subsequently became a classical humble term for one's own wife.
💡 Example Usage
他谦称妻子为箕帚之使，凡事必先与她商议。
He humbly referred to his wife as his 'servant of the dustpan and broom,' consulting her first on all matters.
🏷️ Category
➕ Similar Idioms
➖ Opposite Idioms
🔤 Quick Facts
- Chinese: 箕帚之使
- Pinyin: jī zhǒu zhī shǐ
- Literal Translation: dustpan, broom, of, servant
- Category: Status
- Characters: 4