📖 Meaning
To talk about others' shortcomings and merits. It describes the behavior of gossiping about people's good and bad points, or casually judging others' qualities and conduct. The phrase carries a mildly disapproving tone.
📜 Origin Story
The idiom traces back to Cui Yuan of the Han Dynasty, who wrote the 'Zuo You Ming' (座右铭), a maxim meant to be inscribed on a desk for daily self-admonishment. The original text reads, 'Do not speak of others' shortcomings; do not boast of your own strengths.' Over time, the paired concepts of 'short' (faults) and 'long' (merits) evolved into the idiom 说短道长, which shifted the meaning from self-restraint to the act of gossiping about others' good and bad qualities.
💡 Example Usage
她总喜欢在背后说短道长，议论同事的私事。
She always likes to gossip behind others' backs, chatting about her colleagues' private affairs.
🏷️ Category
➕ Similar Idioms
➖ Opposite Idioms
🔤 Quick Facts
- Chinese: 说短道长
- Pinyin: shuō duǎn dào cháng
- Literal Translation: speak, short, talk, long
- Category: Communication
- Characters: 4