📖 Meaning
To calm one's mind and steady one's temper. It describes approaching a situation with composure and an even temperament, without agitation or bias. The phrase is often used to advise someone to handle matters rationally and without emotional disturbance.
📜 Origin Story
The phrase appears in a letter by the Song dynasty philosopher Lu Jiuyuan (陆九渊), titled 'Letter to Liu Shenfu' (《与刘深父书》), where he advises that when opening a book to read, one should adjust one's hat, sit upright, and calm the mind and settle the breath. The scholar Lü Benzhong (吕本中) also used it in his 'Admonitions for Officials' (《官箴》), recommending that one handle disputes with a composed and steady mind. The expression thus originated in Song-era scholarly discourse on proper conduct and self-cultivation.
💡 Example Usage
遇到争执时，应平心定气地沟通，而非意气用事。
When disputes arise, one should communicate with a calm and composed mind rather than acting on impulse.
🏷️ Category
➕ Similar Idioms
➖ Opposite Idioms
🔤 Quick Facts
- Chinese: 平心定气
- Pinyin: píng xīn dìng qì
- Literal Translation: flat, heart, settle, breath
- Category: Attitude
- Characters: 4