📖 Meaning
When compared with something of the same kind, one appears far inferior and loses its luster. It describes a situation where one thing pales by comparison with another. Often used to express that something is overshadowed by a superior counterpart.
📜 Origin Story
This idiom comes from the essay 'In a Place Where Cacti Grow' (在仙人掌丛生的地方) by the modern Chinese essayist Qin Mu (秦牧). In the essay, Qin Mu describes how the cactus, through harsh conditions, developed a stubborn character and distinctive style that made ordinary plants pale in comparison. The phrase combines '相形' (when compared side by side) with '失色' (to lose one's color or luster), vividly conveying the idea of being overshadowed.
💡 Example Usage
这座小楼在周围的高楼大厦面前相形失色。
This small building pales in comparison to the surrounding skyscrapers.
🏷️ Category
➕ Similar Idioms
➖ Opposite Idioms
🔤 Quick Facts
- Chinese: 相形失色
- Pinyin: xiāng xíng shī sè
- Literal Translation: mutually, compare, lose, color
- Category: Quality
- Characters: 4