📖 Meaning
To explain something so clearly and delightfully that listeners cannot help but smile with joy. It originated from Kuang Heng's renowned interpretations of the Book of Odes during the Western Han dynasty. It now describes eloquent explanations that are both illuminating and thoroughly enjoyable.
📜 Origin Story
This idiom originates from the Book of Han (汉书·匡衡传), which records the reputation of Kuang Heng, a Western Han dynasty scholar famed for his explanations of the Book of Odes (诗经). People would say, 'Do not attempt to explain the Odes, for Kuang is coming; when Kuang explains the Odes, he loosens people's cheeks with laughter.' The commentator Ru Chun explained that it meant making people laugh so much they could not stop. The phrase thus became a metaphor for explanations so clear and engaging that they bring delight to all who hear them.
💡 Example Usage
先生讲诗透彻生动，听者无不匡鼎解颐。
The gentleman's explanation of poetry was so thorough and vivid that all who listened couldn't help but smile with delight.
🏷️ Category
➕ Similar Idioms
➖ Opposite Idioms
🔤 Quick Facts
- Chinese: 匡鼎解颐
- Pinyin: kuāng dǐng jiě yí
- Literal Translation: Kuang, tripod, loosen, cheek
- Category: Communication
- Characters: 4