📖 Meaning
This idiom originally refers to the clear, crisp sound of metal and stone instruments such as bells and chimes. Metaphorically, it praises writing that is elegant and sonorous, with a resonant and ringing quality. It is commonly used to compliment prose or poetry that flows beautifully when read aloud.
📜 Origin Story
This idiom originates from 'A New Account of the Tales of the World' (世说新语·文学) by Liu Yiqing of the Liu Song dynasty (Southern Dynasties). It records that the scholar Sun Chuo (courtesy name Xinggong) completed his 'Rhapsody on the Tiantai Mountains' (天台赋) and showed it to his friend Fan Rongqi, saying: 'Try throwing it on the ground—it should produce the sound of metal and stone.' Sun Chuo was expressing confidence that his writing was so accomplished it would resonate like fine music.
💡 Example Usage
这篇赋文辞清雅，读之作金石声。
This rhapsody is elegantly written, and when read aloud it rings with the resonance of metal and stone.
🏷️ Category
➕ Similar Idioms
➖ Opposite Idioms
🔤 Quick Facts
- Chinese: 作金石声
- Pinyin: zuò jīn shí shēng
- Literal Translation: make, metal, stone, sound
- Category: Quality
- Characters: 4