📖 Meaning
To walk with extremely light and careful footsteps, moving cautiously so as not to make any noise. It describes someone acting with great care and timidity, often to avoid being noticed or disturbing others.
📜 Origin Story
This idiom originates from Ming dynasty literature. It appears in Shi Nai'an's 'Water Margin' (水浒传), Chapter 21, where the character Tang Niu'er creeps upstairs using cautious, quiet steps. It also appears in Feng Menglong's 'Awakening the World' (醒世恒言), Volume 13, where an official approaches Lady Han's window with hushed, delicate movements. Both usages depict characters moving stealthily and gingerly to avoid detection.
💡 Example Usage
他捏脚捏手地走进婴儿房，生怕吵醒熟睡的孩子。
He tiptoed into the nursery, terrified of waking the sleeping baby.
🏷️ Category
➕ Similar Idioms
➖ Opposite Idioms
🔤 Quick Facts
- Chinese: 捏脚捏手
- Pinyin: niē jiǎo niē shǒu
- Literal Translation: pinch, foot, pinch, hand
- Category: Action
- Characters: 4