📖 Meaning
Literally 'to arrive without legs.' It metaphorically describes how talented and worthy people naturally gravitate toward those who genuinely value and respect talent, coming of their own accord without being recruited or summoned. The idiom emphasizes that true appreciation of talent acts as an invisible magnet.
📜 Origin Story
This idiom is a variant of the classical expression '无胫而行' (to travel without shins), which appears in Han dynasty political writings. It draws on the metaphor that extraordinary things—here, exceptional talent—can reach their destination without legs, as if drawn by an unseen force. The expression embodies the traditional Chinese political philosophy that a ruler who truly cherishes worthy individuals will naturally attract them without needing to actively recruit. It shares its meaning and imagery with the closely related idiom '无胫而至.'
💡 Example Usage
明主爱才若渴，天下贤士无胫而来。
The wise ruler thirsts for talent, and worthy scholars from across the realm come of their own accord.
🏷️ Category
➕ Similar Idioms
➖ Opposite Idioms
🔤 Quick Facts
- Chinese: 无胫而来
- Pinyin: wú jìng ér lái
- Literal Translation: without, shins, yet, come
- Category: Leadership
- Characters: 4