📖 Meaning
An old expression describing the life of prostitutes who would stand at doorways enticing passersby with smiles. It depicts the profession of selling one's charms for a living in ancient society.
📜 Origin Story
The phrase traces back to Sima Qian's 'Records of the Grand Historian' (史记·货殖列传) from the Western Han dynasty, where the original line reads '刺绣文不如倚市门' — 'embroidering fine patterns is not as profitable as leaning against the marketplace door.' The remark noted the stark economic reality that skilled handicraft earned less than prostitution. Over time the expression evolved into '倚门卖笑' to specifically describe women luring customers at the doorway.
💡 Example Usage
旧社会里，许多穷苦女子被迫倚门卖笑，过着屈辱的生活。
In the old society, many impoverished women were forced into a life of soliciting at doorways, living in humiliation.
🏷️ Category
➕ Similar Idioms
➖ Opposite Idioms
🔤 Quick Facts
- Chinese: 倚门卖笑
- Pinyin: yǐ mén mài xiào
- Literal Translation: lean, door, sell, smile
- Category: Lifestyle
- Characters: 4