📖 Meaning
Describes walking with bold, confident strides while speaking freely and loudly. It metaphorically refers to acting and speaking without any restraint, fear, or inhibition, embodying a carefree and unconstrained spirit.
📜 Origin Story
The idiom originates from the Records of the Three Kingdoms (《三国志》), in the annals of Emperor Wen of Wei, Cao Pi. Pei Songzhi's annotation cites the Book of Wei (《魏书》), which records Cao Pi's aspiration to promote benevolent governance through the teachings of the Three Chapters and harmonious virtue. He wished that the common people, who had long lived in oppression and held their breath in fear, could finally 'stride freely and talk boldly' without any sense of danger or dread. The phrase captures the ideal of a liberated and peaceful life under enlightened rule.
💡 Example Usage
几位学者阔步高谈，从广场这头走到那头。
Several scholars strode across the square, talking loudly and freely from one end to the other.
🏷️ Category
➕ Similar Idioms
➖ Opposite Idioms
🔤 Quick Facts
- Chinese: 阔步高谈
- Pinyin: kuò bù gāo tán
- Literal Translation: stride widely, talk loudly
- Category: Lifestyle
- Characters: 4