📖 Meaning
This idiom describes speech that conceals sarcasm or mockery within seemingly ordinary words. It evokes the image of thorns buried in mud—harmless on the surface but stinging when encountered. It is used to characterize remarks that carry hidden barbs of criticism.
📜 Origin Story
Unlike many classical Chinese idioms, '泥中隐刺' has no recorded origin in a specific historical text or literary work. It is a vernacular metaphor drawn from everyday imagery—thorns hidden beneath mud that prick the unwary. The expression circulated in colloquial speech before being collected into later idiom dictionaries. No particular dynasty or historical figure is associated with its coinage.
💡 Example Usage
他这番话泥中隐刺，让在场的人都不自在。
His words carried hidden barbs of sarcasm, making everyone present uncomfortable.
🏷️ Category
➕ Similar Idioms
➖ Opposite Idioms
🔤 Quick Facts
- Chinese: 泥中隐刺
- Pinyin: ní zhōng yǐn cì
- Literal Translation: mud, in, hidden, thorn
- Category: Communication
- Characters: 4