📖 Meaning
This idiom describes singing that is off-key and out of tune, failing to conform to proper musical pitch and rhythm. It evokes the image of a strained throat and twisted vocal cords producing jarring, discordant sounds. Metaphorically, it refers to any performance or expression that violates established artistic rules and sounds unpleasant.
📜 Origin Story
This idiom originates from the Ming dynasty playwright Jiang Tingne's work 'Guangling Yue' (广陵月). In the second act, the text advises: 'When attempting to sing new melodies, do not go off-key; what one must guard against is scratching the throat and twisting the voice.' The phrase uses vivid bodily imagery — irritating the throat and straining the vocal cords — to depict singing that departs from proper musical standards. It was originally employed in the context of opera and vocal performance criticism.
💡 Example Usage
他唱歌总是挠喉捩嗓，让人实在听不下去。
He always sings off-key and out of tune, making it unbearable to listen to.
🏷️ Category
➕ Similar Idioms
➖ Opposite Idioms
🔤 Quick Facts
- Chinese: 挠喉捩嗓
- Pinyin: náo hóu liè sǎng
- Literal Translation: scratch, throat, twist, voice
- Category: Skill
- Characters: 4