📖 Meaning
An idiom describing exceptional quickness of literary talent and wit. It combines two historical allusions about composing poetry with remarkable speed. It is used to praise someone's swift and brilliant creative ability.
📜 Origin Story
The idiom fuses two legendary stories of literary speed. In the Three Kingdoms period, Cao Zhi (曹植) was said to have composed a poignant poem within seven paces under pressure from his brother Cao Pi. In the Tang dynasty, the poet Wen Tingyun (温庭筠) reportedly crossed his hands just eight times yet completed a full eight-rhyme regulated verse. Later generations combined the two feats into '七步八叉' to extol outstanding poetic agility.
💡 Example Usage
他才华横溢，作文时七步八叉，片刻便成一篇锦绣文章。
Brimming with talent, he could compose with extraordinary speed, finishing an elegant essay in mere moments.
🏷️ Category
➕ Similar Idioms
➖ Opposite Idioms
🔤 Quick Facts
- Chinese: 七步八叉
- Pinyin: qī bù bā chā
- Literal Translation: seven, steps, eight, hand-crossings
- Category: Skill
- Characters: 4