📖 Meaning
This idiom describes making flirtatious eye contact to convey affection, with both hearts feeling mutual attraction. It refers to the wordless romantic communication between two people who are drawn to each other.
📜 Origin Story
This is a classical phrase depicting romantic courtship through eye contact. The character 挑 (tiāo) here means to beckon or tease with the eyes, a gesture of flirtation common in classical Chinese literature. The expression captures the subtle, silent communication of mutual attraction between lovers. It appears in various classical texts describing romantic encounters and tender moments. No single definitive textual source is recorded.
💡 Example Usage
两人目挑心悦，暗生情愫。
The two exchanged flirtatious glances, silently developing feelings for each other.
🏷️ Category
➕ Similar Idioms
➖ Opposite Idioms
🔤 Quick Facts
- Chinese: 目挑心悦
- Pinyin: mù tiāo xīn yuè
- Literal Translation: eye, tease, heart, delight
- Category: Emotion
- Characters: 4