📖 Meaning
To compose one's expression and hold one's breath. It describes a state of being cautious and reverent, not daring to speak or act presumptuously out of fear or respect.
📜 Origin Story
This phrase originates from a Song Dynasty epitaph written by the renowned scholar-official Ouyang Xiu. In the epitaph for a county magistrate surnamed Wang, Ouyang described how the powerful and corrupt figures of the county, upon encountering Magistrate Wang's strict and upright governance, all restrained their expressions and held their breath. They warned one another about his authority and dared not violate the public laws. The phrase thus came to signify a demeanor of fearful reverence in the presence of someone formidable.
💡 Example Usage
面对严厉的上司，他敛色屏气，连大气都不敢出。
Facing his stern boss, he composed his expression and held his breath, not daring to make a sound.
🏷️ Category
➕ Similar Idioms
➖ Opposite Idioms
🔤 Quick Facts
- Chinese: 敛色屏气
- Pinyin: liǎn sè bǐng qì
- Literal Translation: restrain, expression, hold, breath
- Category: Attitude
- Characters: 4