📖 Meaning
This idiom describes a ruler or leader who eagerly seeks talented people, willing to interrupt even washing and eating to receive guests. It originates from the Duke of Zhou, who would wring his wet hair and spit out his food multiple times to avoid keeping worthy visitors waiting. It metaphorically means to treat talent with utmost respect and urgency in serving the state.
📜 Origin Story
During the Western Zhou dynasty, the Duke of Zhou (周公) served as regent for the young King Cheng. Before his son Bo Qin was enfeoffed as lord of Lu, the Duke of Zhou cautioned him never to treat the people of Lu arrogantly. He explained that despite his own high status—as son of King Wen, brother of King Wu, and uncle of King Cheng—he would, during a single bath, grasp his wet hair three times to receive visitors, and during a single meal, spit out his food three times to greet guests, still fearing he might lose a worthy scholar. This story is recorded in the Han Shi Waizhuan and Sima Qian's Records of the Grand Historian.
💡 Example Usage
这位企业家握发吐哺，广纳各方英才，终使公司蒸蒸日上。
This entrepreneur eagerly sought talent like one wringing his hair and spitting out his food, gathering outstanding people from all sides until the company flourished.
🏷️ Category
➕ Similar Idioms
➖ Opposite Idioms
🔤 Quick Facts
- Chinese: 握发吐哺
- Pinyin: wò fā tǔ bǔ
- Literal Translation: grasp hair, spit out food
- Category: Leadership
- Characters: 4