📖 Meaning
This idiom describes a situation where there are so many beautiful things that one cannot take them all in at once. It conveys an overwhelming abundance of beauty or excellence that exceeds what one can fully appreciate. The phrase is commonly used to praise a rich collection of artworks, scenery, or other delightful things.
📜 Origin Story
The phrase originates from the Qing dynasty work 'Lüyuan Conghua' (履园丛话) by Qian Yong, specifically in the section on culinary arts titled 'Zhipao' (治庖). In that passage, the author remarks that among all foods, fish alone offers such a dazzling variety of delicious preparations that its beauty is more than one can fully take in. Over time, the expression broadened beyond cuisine to describe any abundance of beautiful or excellent things that overwhelms the senses.
💡 Example Usage
展览馆里展出的各种工艺品琳琅满目，美不胜收。
The various handicrafts on display in the exhibition hall were dazzling and simply too beautiful to take in all at once.
🏷️ Category
➕ Similar Idioms
➖ Opposite Idioms
🔤 Quick Facts
- Chinese: 美不胜收
- Pinyin: měi bù shèng shōu
- Literal Translation: beautiful, not, able to, gather all
- Category: Quality
- Characters: 4