📖 Meaning
A metaphor for contrasting levels of awareness leading to different outcomes. Zheng was perceptive and alert while Song was obtuse and oblivious. It illustrates how different circumstances or dispositions result in vastly different consequences.
📜 Origin Story
From the 'Zuo Zhuan' (左传), 14th year of Duke Xuan. King of Chu sent Shen Zhou as envoy to Qi, ordering him not to request passage through Song, and also dispatched Prince Feng to Jin without requesting passage through Zheng. Shen Zhou, knowing the people of Song bore a grudge against him from a previous military campaign, remarked that Zheng was alert and Song was obtuse, predicting the envoy to Jin would be safe while he himself would surely die. The King promised to avenge him if killed. Upon reaching Song, Shen Zhou was indeed detained and executed.
💡 Example Usage
郑昭宋聋，可见处境不同则祸福迥异，岂可一概而论？
When Zheng was alert and Song was deaf, it shows that different circumstances lead to vastly different fortunes — how can one generalize?
🏷️ Category
➕ Similar Idioms
➖ Opposite Idioms
🔤 Quick Facts
- Chinese: 郑昭宋聋
- Pinyin: zhèng zhāo sòng lóng
- Literal Translation: Zheng, bright; Song, deaf
- Category: Wisdom
- Characters: 4