逖听远闻

tì tīng yuǎn wén
Literal: "distant, listen, far, hear"

📖 Meaning

This idiom describes a broad and far-reaching scope of hearing and perception. It means being able to learn about and understand matters even from great distances. The phrase conveys the idea of comprehensive awareness that spans vast expanses.

📜 Origin Story

This phrase originates from the 'Book of Liang' (梁书), specifically the 'Annals of Emperor Wu,' compiled by the Tang dynasty historian Yao Silian. In the original passage, Emperor Wu of the Liang Dynasty expresses his desire to govern with compassion, ensuring that his awareness and attention reach all corners of the realm. The phrase '逖听远闻' indicates that through such attentive governance, even distant matters become as clear as if personally observed, so that 'matters are as if personally inspected.'

💡 Example Usage

身居庙堂而逖听远闻,天下之事无不尽知。

Residing in the imperial court yet hearing far and wide, there is nothing under heaven that he does not fully know.

🏷️ Category

➕ Similar Idioms

➖ Opposite Idioms

🔤 Quick Facts

  • Chinese: 逖听远闻
  • Pinyin: tì tīng yuǎn wén
  • Literal Translation: distant, listen, far, hear
  • Category: Knowledge
  • Characters: 4