📖 Meaning
To chisel through a wall and make one's escape. The idiom refers to refusing an official appointment and retreating to live in seclusion. It describes someone who shuns worldly ambition and avoids serving in government.
📜 Origin Story
The idiom originates from 'Huainanzi: Qisu Xun' (《淮南子·齐俗训》). It tells the story of Yan He (颜阖), a virtuous scholar of the state of Lu during the Warring States period. The ruler of Lu wished to appoint him as prime minister, but Yan He had no desire for office. When the ruler sent an envoy bearing gifts of silk to summon him, Yan He instead chiseled through the wall of his own house and fled, choosing a life of seclusion over government service.
💡 Example Usage
古之贤士多凿坏以遁，不慕荣利。
Many virtuous scholars of ancient times would chisel through their walls and flee, unmoved by glory or profit.
🏷️ Category
➕ Similar Idioms
➖ Opposite Idioms
🔤 Quick Facts
- Chinese: 凿坏以遁
- Pinyin: záo pī yǐ dùn
- Literal Translation: chisel, wall, thereby, flee
- Category: Attitude
- Characters: 4