📖 Meaning
A dialectal expression meaning a middleman or go-between, most commonly referring to a marriage matchmaker. The phrase literally paints the image of someone standing with both feet planted in the middle position between two parties, mediating and facilitating their connection.
📜 Origin Story
This is a regional folk expression without a single identifiable literary source. It arose from everyday vernacular speech, likely in rural communities where marriages were commonly arranged through local intermediaries. Unlike many chengyu that trace back to classical texts, this phrase reflects the practical social role of matchmakers in traditional Chinese marriage customs. No specific dynasty or historical figure is associated with its coinage.
💡 Example Usage
她是个热心人，常给年轻人当两脚居间，撮合了不少好姻缘。
She is a warmhearted person who often acts as a matchmaker for young people and has brought about many happy marriages.
🏷️ Category
➕ Similar Idioms
➖ Opposite Idioms
🔤 Quick Facts
- Chinese: 两脚居间
- Pinyin: liǎng jiǎo jū jiān
- Literal Translation: two, feet, reside, between
- Category: Communication
- Characters: 4