📖 Meaning
A metaphor for the act of repaying someone's kindness or favor. It conveys the idea that when one receives a gift or goodwill, one should offer something in return. The idiom emphasizes reciprocity and mutual exchange in human relationships.
📜 Origin Story
This idiom derives from the concept expressed in the 'Book of Songs' (诗经), specifically the poem 'Yi' (抑) in the 'Greater Odes' (大雅) section, which contains the line '投我以桃，报之以李' — 'You throw me a peach, I repay you with a plum.' The original context is a Zhou dynasty admonition advising rulers on proper conduct, stressing that virtuous actions invite virtuous responses. While '投桃报李' is the more common four-character form, '投桃之报' specifically highlights the repaying side of the exchange. Though no specific origin text is attributed to '投桃之报' itself, it is a natural variation in classical usage.
💡 Example Usage
他帮了我这么大的忙，我总得有个投桃之报才是。
He helped me such a great deal, so I really ought to offer a proper repayment in return.
🏷️ Category
➕ Similar Idioms
➖ Opposite Idioms
🔤 Quick Facts
- Chinese: 投桃之报
- Pinyin: tóu táo zhī bào
- Literal Translation: throw, peach, possessive, repayment
- Category: Morality
- Characters: 4