📖 Meaning
A metaphor for composing poetry. It alludes to the Xie family of the Southern Dynasties, whose members were celebrated for their literary talent. The phrase treats poetry composition as the family's signature trade.
📜 Origin Story
During the Southern Dynasties Liu Song period, the poet Xie Lingyun and his younger cousin Xie Huilian were both renowned for their poetry and prose. Their literary brilliance became so closely associated with the Xie family name that 'the Xie family's trade' came to signify the craft of composing poetry. The story is recorded in the Book of Song, in the biography of Xie Huilian.
💡 Example Usage
每逢雅集，他总要展示一番谢家活计，吟诗作赋，众人皆叹服。
At every literary gathering, he would showcase the Xie family's craft, composing poetry and verse that left everyone in admiration.
🏷️ Category
➕ Similar Idioms
➖ Opposite Idioms
🔤 Quick Facts
- Chinese: 谢家活计
- Pinyin: xiè jiā huó jì
- Literal Translation: Xie, family, livelihood, craft
- Category: Skill
- Characters: 4