📖 Meaning
The mind is distressed and thoughts are obstructed, describing a state of exhaustive and painful contemplation. It conveys the process of thinking deeply through hardship before reaching understanding or resolution.
📜 Origin Story
This idiom originates from 'Mencius: Gaozi II' (《孟子·告子下》), a Warring States period text by the philosopher Mencius (孟子). The original line states that only when the mind is distressed and thoughts are obstructed can one rise to action and achievement. The passage argues that adversity and hardship are necessary precursors to greatness, citing legendary figures like Shun, Fu Yue, and Guan Zhong who suffered before succeeding. Over time the phrase became a standalone idiom denoting arduous, exhaustive mental effort.
💡 Example Usage
他困心衡虑数月，终于找到问题的根源。
After months of exhausting, troubled thought, he finally found the root of the problem.
🏷️ Category
➕ Similar Idioms
➖ Opposite Idioms
🔤 Quick Facts
- Chinese: 困心衡虑
- Pinyin: kùn xīn héng lǜ
- Literal Translation: troubled, mind, obstructed, thought
- Category: Perseverance
- Characters: 4