📖 Meaning
This idiom refers to beautifully written and elegantly presented literary works. It uses the imagery of brocade and embroidery to describe writings of exceptional literary merit. It is used to praise compositions that are splendid in language and refined in style.
📜 Origin Story
This idiom draws on the imagery of traditional Chinese textiles—brocade (锦) and embroidery (绣)—to metaphorically describe literary excellence. It does not trace back to a single specific historical anecdote or text. The phrase equates fine writing with the luxurious beauty of woven silk, a common convention in classical Chinese literary criticism. It has been used to commend works whose language is as splendid as brocade and as exquisite as embroidery.
💡 Example Usage
他的文集堪称锦篇绣帙，文采斐然，令人叹服。
His collected works can be called splendid chapters of literary excellence, remarkable in their literary grace and truly breathtaking.
🏷️ Category
➕ Similar Idioms
➖ Opposite Idioms
🔤 Quick Facts
- Chinese: 锦篇绣帙
- Pinyin: jǐn piān xiù zhì
- Literal Translation: brocade, chapter, embroidery, book-cover
- Category: Quality
- Characters: 4