📖 Meaning
Describes a man whose beard is long, stiff, and stands out like the blades of a halberd. It conveys a fierce, imposing masculine appearance associated with heroic bearing and manly spirit.
📜 Origin Story
The idiom originates from the 'Biography of Chu Yanhui' in the Nan Shi (History of the Southern Dynasties). The text records the remark, 'Your beard is like halberds, yet why do you lack a man's resolve?' It contrasts a striking, martial physical appearance with an absence of true inner courage. The phrase thus came to symbolize a commanding, virile demeanor.
💡 Example Usage
那位将军须髯如戟，立于阵前，令敌军望而生畏。
That general, his beard bristling like halberds, stood before the battle line and struck fear into the enemy troops.
🏷️ Category
➕ Similar Idioms
➖ Opposite Idioms
🔤 Quick Facts
- Chinese: 须髯如戟
- Pinyin: xū rán rú jǐ
- Literal Translation: beard, cheek whiskers, like, halberd
- Category: Quality
- Characters: 4