📖 Meaning
To listen attentively and watch intently. Originally described someone of immense power and authority who commanded awe and reverence from everyone around. Now commonly used to describe extremely concentrated attention on something.
📜 Origin Story
This idiom comes from the 'Records of the Three Kingdoms' (三国志), in the biography of Cao Zhi, Prince Si of Chen, within the Wei section. Cao Zhi, a son of the warlord Cao Cao, wrote that those capable of making the entire world incline their ears and fix their gaze upon them are precisely those who hold power, for their schemes can sway the ruler and their authority can intimidate subordinates. The phrase thus originally referred to the commanding presence of those in positions of authority during the Three Kingdoms era.
💡 Example Usage
台上演讲者慷慨激昂，台下观众倾耳注目，生怕漏听一个字。
The speaker on stage was impassioned and eloquent, and the audience in the hall listened and watched with rapt attention, afraid of missing a single word.
🏷️ Category
➕ Similar Idioms
➖ Opposite Idioms
🔤 Quick Facts
- Chinese: 倾耳注目
- Pinyin: qīng ěr zhù mù
- Literal Translation: incline ear, fix eyes
- Category: Attitude
- Characters: 4