📖 Meaning
A metaphor for being inarticulate, tongue-tied, and lacking eloquence. It describes someone whose speech is awkward and clumsy, unable to express themselves fluently or persuasively. The phrase uses the imagery of a clumsy mouth and dull cheeks to convey poor oral communication skills.
📜 Origin Story
This idiom originates from Chapter 88 of 'Journey to the West' (西游记) by Wu Cheng'en of the Ming Dynasty. In the chapter, the characters humbly describe themselves with the words '我等愚鲁，拙口钝腮，不会说话' (We are foolish and dull, with clumsy mouths and blunt cheeks, unable to speak well), presenting themselves as lacking in eloquence. The self-deprecating phrase later became a fixed expression for someone who is verbally clumsy or tongue-tied.
💡 Example Usage
他为人老实，拙口钝腮，谈判时总是吃亏。
He is honest by nature but inarticulate, so he always ends up at a disadvantage during negotiations.
🏷️ Category
➕ Similar Idioms
➖ Opposite Idioms
🔤 Quick Facts
- Chinese: 拙口钝腮
- Pinyin: zhuō kǒu dùn sāi
- Literal Translation: clumsy mouth, blunt cheeks
- Category: Communication
- Characters: 4