📖 Meaning
Describes a woman of such remarkable beauty that even swallows grow jealous and orioles feel ashamed in her presence. The idiom uses birds as metaphors to emphasize how stunningly attractive the woman appears. It is typically used to praise exceptional feminine beauty.
📜 Origin Story
This idiom originates from Chapter 27 of 'Dream of the Red Chamber' (《红楼梦》), written by Cao Xueqin during the Qing Dynasty. The original passage describes young women in the Grand View Garden dressed so splendidly that peaches feel shy, apricots yield, swallows grow jealous, and orioles feel ashamed. The vivid imagery emphasizes the exquisite beauty and elegant attire of the characters.
💡 Example Usage
她容貌清丽，令满园女子燕妒莺惭。
Her beauty was so striking that it made every woman in the garden feel jealous and ashamed.
🏷️ Category
➕ Similar Idioms
➖ Opposite Idioms
🔤 Quick Facts
- Chinese: 燕妒莺惭
- Pinyin: yàn dù yīng cán
- Literal Translation: swallow, envies, oriole, ashamed
- Category: Quality
- Characters: 4