📖 Meaning
To be accompanied only by the bright moon and clear breeze. Metaphorically describes a person who chooses their companions carefully and does not casually make friends, associating only with what is pure and refined. It can also describe a leisurely, carefree life free of worldly entanglements.
📜 Origin Story
The idiom originates from the Biography of Xie Hui in the History of the Southern Dynasties (《南史·谢惠传》), compiled by the Tang-dynasty historian Li Yanshou. Xie Hui, a figure of the Southern Dynasties period, was known for his aloof and reclusive character, unwilling to mix with ordinary society. He is quoted as saying, "Those who enter my chamber are none but the clear breeze; those who drink with me are none but the bright moon" (入吾室者，但有清风；对吾饮者，惟当明月). Through this image of keeping company only with the wind and moon, he expressed his noble and detached temperament, which later became a literary emblem of purity and withdrawal from worldly affairs.
💡 Example Usage
他厌倦了名利场，只想过明月清风般的清闲日子。
Tired of the world of fame and gain, he only wished to live a leisurely life companied by the bright moon and clear breeze.
🏷️ Category
➕ Similar Idioms
➖ Opposite Idioms
🔤 Quick Facts
- Chinese: 明月清风
- Pinyin: míng yuè qīng fēng
- Literal Translation: bright, moon, clear, breeze
- Category: Lifestyle
- Characters: 4