📖 Meaning
A metaphor for a person who can clearly discern right from wrong when dealing with matters. Like a crystal lantern—transparent inside and out—such a person sees through confusion with sharp, unclouded judgment.
📜 Origin Story
The idiom originates from the 'Biography of Liu Sui' in the History of Song (《宋史·刘随传》). Liu Sui was a Song dynasty official known for being sharp, decisive, and fearless in handling affairs. When he served in Shu (present-day Sichuan), the local people gave him the nickname 'crystal lantern' (水晶灯笼) because his insight and discernment were as transparent and brilliant as a lantern made of crystal.
💡 Example Usage
他为人正直，遇事看得清楚分明，同事们都说他是个水晶灯笼。
He is upright and sees matters with crisp clarity, so his colleagues call him a crystal lantern.
🏷️ Category
➕ Similar Idioms
➖ Opposite Idioms
🔤 Quick Facts
- Chinese: 水晶灯笼
- Pinyin: shuǐ jīng dēng lóng
- Literal Translation: crystal, lantern
- Category: Clarity
- Characters: 4