📖 Meaning
Originally referred to weeping at the Qin court to beg another state for military aid. Now used metaphorically to describe pleading urgently for someone's help or rescue in a desperate situation.
📜 Origin Story
During the Spring and Autumn period, the State of Wu attacked and sacked the Chu capital. Shen Baoxu, a loyal Chu official, traveled to the State of Qin to plead for military assistance. He leaned against the wall of the Qin palace courtyard and wept ceaselessly day and night, taking not even a sip of water for seven days. Deeply moved, Duke Ai of Qin composed the poem 'Wu Yi' and agreed to send troops. Shen Baoxu bowed his head to the ground nine times in gratitude before the Qin army marched out to save Chu.
💡 Example Usage
他四处求援，犹如秦庭之哭，却无人肯伸出援手。
He sought help everywhere, weeping like one pleading at the Qin court, yet no one was willing to lend a hand.
🏷️ Category
➕ Similar Idioms
➖ Opposite Idioms
🔤 Quick Facts
- Chinese: 秦庭之哭
- Pinyin: qín tíng zhī kū
- Literal Translation: Qin, court, of, weeping
- Category: Action
- Characters: 4