📖 Meaning
This idiom refers to minor illnesses or small ailments, such as a slight headache or low fever. It is commonly used metaphorically to describe trivial troubles or difficulties that are not serious. It is a variant of the more widely used expression '头疼脑热'.
📜 Origin Story
This idiom is a colloquial expression derived from everyday descriptions of common cold symptoms in traditional Chinese life. The phrase literally captures the sensation of an aching head combined with a warm forehead, which are typical signs of a mild fever. Unlike many classical idioms, it does not trace back to a specific literary text, historical figure, or dynasty. It is essentially a regional variant of the more common '头疼脑热', reflecting folk observation of minor illness in daily life.
💡 Example Usage
孩子有点头痛额热，不必大惊小怪。
The child has a slight headache and fever; there's no need to make a fuss over it.
🏷️ Category
➕ Similar Idioms
➖ Opposite Idioms
🔤 Quick Facts
- Chinese: 头痛额热
- Pinyin: tóu tòng é rè
- Literal Translation: head, ache, forehead, hot
- Category: Condition
- Characters: 4