📖 Meaning
Describes a scene of universal joy and celebration among the common people. Roads and lanes are filled with singing and dancing, reflecting a peaceful and prosperous society under benevolent governance. The idiom paints a vivid picture of grassroots happiness during a golden age.
📜 Origin Story
The idiom originates from the 'Treatise on Music' (乐志) section of the Book of Song (宋书), compiled by the historian Shen Yue (沈约) during the Liang Dynasty of the Southern Dynasties period. It was used to depict the ideal state of society under sage rulers, where even ordinary people in the streets and alleys spontaneously express their joy through song and dance. The phrase reflects the ancient Chinese political ideal that good governance naturally leads to popular contentment. The imagery of roads and lanes—the most humble public spaces—underscores that the happiness is truly universal and grassroots.
💡 Example Usage
盛世太平，百姓涂歌里抃，安居乐业。
In an era of peace and prosperity, the people sing in the streets and dance in the lanes, living and working in contentment.
🏷️ Category
➕ Similar Idioms
➖ Opposite Idioms
🔤 Quick Facts
- Chinese: 涂歌里抃
- Pinyin: tú gē lǐ biàn
- Literal Translation: road singing, lane clapping
- Category: Condition
- Characters: 4