📖 Meaning
A general term for letters and written correspondence. It combines two classical allusions: a letter discovered inside a fish's belly and a message tied to a goose's foot, both legendary methods of delivering mail in ancient China. The phrase is often used in the context of longing between separated loved ones.
📜 Origin Story
From the Ming dynasty song suite '醉罗歌·题情' (Drunken Luo Song — On Love) by Shi Shukao, with the line '泪痕一线罗裙绣裾，相思两字鱼笺雁书' — a line of tear stains on an embroidered skirt, and the word 'lovesickness' carried by fish letters and goose mail. The idiom draws on two ancient legends: '鱼传尺素,' from a Han dynasty poem about finding a silk letter concealed inside a carp, and '雁足传书,' from the story of Han envoy Su Wu, who while detained by the Xiongnu tied a letter to a goose's foot to send word back to the Han court.
💡 Example Usage
自从他远赴边疆，两人便断了鱼笺雁书，彼此音信全无。
Since he departed for the distant frontier, the two exchanged no more letters, and all news between them ceased.
🏷️ Category
➕ Similar Idioms
➖ Opposite Idioms
🔤 Quick Facts
- Chinese: 鱼笺雁书
- Pinyin: yú jiān yàn shū
- Literal Translation: fish letter, goose book
- Category: Communication
- Characters: 4