📖 Meaning
This idiom refers to mutual aid and rescue in times of difficulty. It originates from the imagery of fish breathing moisture upon each other to survive when water is scarce. It emphasizes the spirit of helping one another through hardship.
📜 Origin Story
The phrase derives from the Daoist text Zhuangzi (《庄子·大宗师》), attributed to the philosopher Zhuang Zhou of the Warring States period. The original passage describes fish stranded on dry land who moisten each other with their breath to stay alive, symbolizing mutual compassion in adversity. Over time, the expression evolved into the four-character form 相呴相济, conveying the idea of people supporting and rescuing one another during difficult circumstances.
💡 Example Usage
患难之中，邻里之间相呴相济，共渡难关。
In times of hardship, neighbors helped and supported one another to get through the difficulties together.
🏷️ Category
➕ Similar Idioms
➖ Opposite Idioms
🔤 Quick Facts
- Chinese: 相呴相济
- Pinyin: xiāng xǔ xiāng jì
- Literal Translation: mutually, breathe upon, mutually, aid
- Category: Morality
- Characters: 4