📖 Meaning
Describes two lovers communicating affection through eye contact and silently pledging their devotion to each other. It conveys an unspoken mutual understanding of love between a man and woman, expressed through glances rather than words.
📜 Origin Story
This idiom appears in classical Chinese literature depicting romantic encounters. '目成' refers to making eye contact to convey emotion, while '心许' means to silently promise or consent in one's heart. The phrase captures the ancient Chinese poetic ideal of love expressed through subtle glances rather than open declaration. It is also written as '目成眉语' (eyes meet, brows speak) and '目成心授' (eyes meet, heart transmits), reflecting the restrained courtship customs of classical Chinese society.
💡 Example Usage
两人一见钟情，目成心许，从此结为伴侣。
The two fell in love at first sight, exchanged silent promises through their eyes, and became partners from then on.
🏷️ Category
➕ Similar Idioms
➖ Opposite Idioms
🔤 Quick Facts
- Chinese: 目成心许
- Pinyin: mù chéng xīn xǔ
- Literal Translation: eyes, meet, heart, promise
- Category: Emotion
- Characters: 4