📖 Meaning
To glare with wide eyes and raise one's eyebrows in an exaggerated manner. It describes someone who puts on a pretentious show of authority or self-importance, striking a pose to intimidate or impress others.
📜 Origin Story
This idiom originates from the Yuan dynasty play "Jian Fa Dai Bin" (剪发待宾) by Qin Jianfu (秦简夫). In the third act, a character admonishes another to remember the Confucian principle that harmony is precious in the use of propriety, instructing them to bow and fold their hands respectfully rather than adopt the haughty, posturing demeanor of "shān yǎn pū méi." The phrase later appears in Ming dynasty writer Kang Hai's (康海) play "Wang Lanqing" (王兰卿), further cementing its usage in classical drama.
💡 Example Usage
他不过是苫眼铺眉罢了，其实什么本事也没有。
He is just putting on airs with that haughty look—in truth, he has no real ability at all.
🏷️ Category
➕ Similar Idioms
➖ Opposite Idioms
🔤 Quick Facts
- Chinese: 苫眼铺眉
- Pinyin: shān yǎn pū méi
- Literal Translation: shield eyes, spread brows
- Category: Attitude
- Characters: 4