📖 Meaning
This idiom describes beautiful and splendid singing and dancing. The 'pearl' and 'emerald' refer to the luxurious ornaments worn by performers, while 'song' and 'dance' describe the entertainment itself. It evokes scenes of lavish, dazzling performances at banquets and court gatherings.
📜 Origin Story
The idiom originates from a ci poem by the Song dynasty poet Zhou Bangyan (周邦彦), titled 'Yuchi Bei · Lichen' (《尉迟杯·离恨》). In the poem, Zhou writes '冶叶倡条俱相识，仍惯见珠歌翠舞' — he recalls being accustomed to seeing splendid singing and dancing. The phrase later appeared in Qing dynasty poet Wu Weiye's (吴伟业) famous poem 'Yuanyuan Qu' (《圆圆曲》), where it contrasts past grandeur with present sorrow. Over time, it became a standing expression for opulent musical entertainment.
💡 Example Usage
盛宴之上，珠歌翠舞，宾客尽欢而散。
At the grand banquet there was splendid singing and dancing, and all the guests departed happily.
🏷️ Category
➕ Similar Idioms
➖ Opposite Idioms
🔤 Quick Facts
- Chinese: 珠歌翠舞
- Pinyin: zhū gē cuì wǔ
- Literal Translation: pearl, song, emerald, dance
- Category: Lifestyle
- Characters: 4