📖 Meaning
Describes a person who is all appearance and no substance—someone whose dignified or impressive exterior masks a hollow interior. It is used to criticize those who rely solely on a grand facade while lacking real talent or ability.
📜 Origin Story
This idiom originates from the 'Biography of Mi Heng' in the Book of the Later Han (《后汉书·祢衡传》). Mi Heng, a famously arrogant scholar of the late Eastern Han dynasty, was once asked his opinion of Xun Yu (styled Wenruo), a advisor known for his handsome and dignified appearance. Mi Heng dismissed him, saying that Xun Yu's face was good for nothing more than being borrowed to put on a mournful expression at a funeral—implying he was merely a pretty face with no real substance. The phrase has since been used to mock those who are superficially impressive but inwardly empty.
💡 Example Usage
他表面上一本正经，实则不学无术，真是借面吊丧。
He puts on a grave and serious front, yet he is utterly unlearned—truly a case of borrowing a face to mourn at a funeral.
🏷️ Category
➕ Similar Idioms
➖ Opposite Idioms
🔤 Quick Facts
- Chinese: 借面吊丧
- Pinyin: jiè miàn diào sāng
- Literal Translation: borrow, face, mourn, funeral
- Category: Quality
- Characters: 4