📖 Meaning
This idiom describes a person who is frugal and thrifty in their lifestyle. The image of an incomplete or worn deer-hide coat symbolizes simplicity and a lack of extravagance. It praises those who live plainly despite their position.
📜 Origin Story
The phrase originates from the Book of Han (汉书), in the Biography of Yu Yan (虞延传), which quotes: 'In the past when Yan Ying served the state of Qi, his deer-hide coat was incomplete.' Yan Ying (晏婴) was a renowned prime minister of the State of Qi during the Spring and Autumn period, famous for his wisdom and austere way of life. The anecdote became a lasting emblem of official frugality and was later cited as a model of virtuous restraint.
💡 Example Usage
他虽身居高位，却一生鹿裘不完，从不讲究吃穿。
Though he held a high position, he lived his whole life with frugal simplicity, never caring about fine food or clothing.
🏷️ Category
➕ Similar Idioms
➖ Opposite Idioms
🔤 Quick Facts
- Chinese: 鹿裘不完
- Pinyin: lù qiú bù wán
- Literal Translation: deer, fur coat, not, complete
- Category: Lifestyle
- Characters: 4