📖 Meaning
A light, warm fur coat and a swift horse. The phrase metaphorically describes a life of luxury and extravagance. It evokes the image of wealthy elites traveling in comfort and style.
📜 Origin Story
The phrase originates from a poem by the Tang dynasty poet Du Fu titled 'A Letter Submitted to the Officials of Xian and Hua Counties' (投简咸华两县诸子). In the poem, Du Fu describes how officials in the capital district possessed great talents, riding fast horses and wearing soft fur coats against the ice and snow. The imagery contrasts the luxurious lives of the privileged with the hardships faced by common people.
💡 Example Usage
寒冬腊月，富商出客栈上街，软裘快马，旁人冻得发抖。
In the depths of winter, the wealthy merchant left the inn and took to the street in a warm fur coat on a swift horse, while bystanders shivered with cold.
🏷️ Category
➕ Similar Idioms
➖ Opposite Idioms
🔤 Quick Facts
- Chinese: 软裘快马
- Pinyin: ruǎn qiú kuài mǎ
- Literal Translation: soft fur coat, fast horse
- Category: Lifestyle
- Characters: 4