📖 Meaning
Describes literary writing so exquisite and brilliant that it reaches and moves the divine spirits. The idiom conveys that a piece of writing possesses transcendent power, as if it can probe the celestial realm of the Six Ding and Six Jia gods.
📜 Origin Story
This idiom originates from the Ming dynasty play 'The Golden Lotus' (金莲记) by Chen Ruyuan, in the scene titled 'Attending the Examination' (偕计). The original passage describes poetry that makes ghosts and spirits weep, with a precious aura rising like white silk, and writing that searches the divine realm of the Ding Jia deities, its brilliant essence flashing like Qin gold. It reflects the Ming literati's reverence for writing so powerful it transcends the mortal world.
💡 Example Usage
这篇赋文搜丁甲，读来令人叹服。
This rhapsody's writing reaches the divine, leaving readers in awe.
🏷️ Category
➕ Similar Idioms
➖ Opposite Idioms
🔤 Quick Facts
- Chinese: 文搜丁甲
- Pinyin: wén sōu dīng jiǎ
- Literal Translation: writing, searches, Ding Jia deities
- Category: Quality
- Characters: 4