📖 Meaning
Describes a martial and imposing appearance, evoking the image of a powerful warrior. It is commonly used to refer to brave military commanders or heroic fighters who possess a commanding physical presence.
📜 Origin Story
This phrase appears in Chapter 4 of the Qing dynasty novel 'Sui Tang Yanyi' (Romance of Sui and Tang) by Chu Renhuo, where it is used to depict a heroic figure with a commanding aura and formidable bearing. The imagery combines a swallow's chin and a tiger's head, both classical markers of a valiant martial appearance. Such descriptions were a staple of classical Chinese historical fiction for portraying formidable generals and warriors.
💡 Example Usage
只见他燕颔虎头，体格魁梧，一看便是个习武之人。
With his imposing features and burly frame, he looked at first glance like a seasoned martial artist.
🏷️ Category
➕ Similar Idioms
➖ Opposite Idioms
🔤 Quick Facts
- Chinese: 燕颔虎头
- Pinyin: yàn hàn hǔ tóu
- Literal Translation: swallow's chin, tiger's head
- Category: Quality
- Characters: 4