📖 Meaning
This idiom refers to a loyal minister being put to death due to slanderous accusations. It originates from the story of Wu Zixu, who asked that his eyes be gouged out and hung on the city gate so he could witness the fall of his state. It symbolizes the tragic fate of a faithful official persecuted for speaking the truth.
📜 Origin Story
The idiom stems from the story of Wu Zixu (伍子胥), a loyal minister of the State of Wu during the Spring and Autumn period. He repeatedly warned King Fuchai of Wu about the growing threat from the State of Yue, but was slandered by treacherous court officials and ordered to take his own life. Before dying, Wu Zixu requested that his eyes be gouged out and hung on the east gate of the Wu capital, so that he might witness the Yue army march through and conquer the city. His prophecy came true, and his tragic death became a enduring symbol of a loyal minister dying unjustly due to slander.
💡 Example Usage
忠臣遭谗，最终抉目悬门，这样的悲剧在历史上并不少见。
Falsely accused and ultimately put to death—such was the tragic fate of many a loyal minister throughout history.
🏷️ Category
➕ Similar Idioms
➖ Opposite Idioms
🔤 Quick Facts
- Chinese: 抉目悬门
- Pinyin: jué mù xuán mén
- Literal Translation: gouge out, eyes, hang, gate
- Category: Power
- Characters: 4