📖 Meaning
Resting one's head on a bent arm while sleeping. It describes a life of contentment and tranquility, free from worldly worry. The idiom conveys finding joy in simplicity regardless of material hardship.
📜 Origin Story
The phrase originates from the Analects (论语), in which Confucius describes his own contentment: eating coarse food, drinking plain water, and resting his head on a bent arm, yet finding happiness therein. He contrasts this simple joy with ill-gotten wealth and status, which he considers as fleeting as floating clouds. The saying thus became a classical expression of living peacefully and virtuously apart from worldly ambition. It is often associated with Confucius and his disciple Yan Hui, both celebrated for their detachment from material riches.
💡 Example Usage
他隐居山林，曲肱而枕，过着恬淡无忧的日子。
He retired to the mountains, resting his head on a bent arm and living a carefree, tranquil life.
🏷️ Category
➕ Similar Idioms
➖ Opposite Idioms
🔤 Quick Facts
- Chinese: 曲肱而枕
- Pinyin: qǔ gōng ér zhěn
- Literal Translation: bend, upper arm, and, rest head on
- Category: Lifestyle
- Characters: 4