唾面自干 Let the spit dry on one's face
Explanation
比喻别人对自己进行侮辱,自己却忍受而不反抗。形容人能忍辱负重,非常有度量。
It is a metaphor for someone enduring insults without resistance. It describes someone who can bear humiliation and is very tolerant.
Origin Story
唐朝名将娄师德,以宽厚仁慈闻名于世。他有一位弟弟,担任代州刺史,为人刚直,不太懂得为人处世的技巧。一次,娄师德问弟弟如何处理与人发生冲突的情况。弟弟回答说,如果有人朝自己脸上吐唾沫,就擦掉便是。娄师德却说:‘不妥,擦掉是激怒了他,不如让他自己干了。’弟弟不解,娄师德解释说,为人处世要以大局为重,有些小事,不必计较,忍让一下反而能化解矛盾,体现出自己的胸襟。这个故事流传至今,成为“唾面自干”成语的由来,寓意着一种宽容和忍让的美德。在历史的长河中,娄师德以其宽宏大量的品格,赢得了世人的尊重,同时也为后世留下了一笔宝贵的精神财富。他率军抗击吐蕃,屡战屡胜,但他始终保持着平和的心态,从不以功自傲,即便面对敌人的挑衅,也能够做到以德报怨,这是一种多么高尚的情操!他的胸怀如大海般宽广,容纳百川,他的品格如高山般巍峨,耸立千古。
Lou Shide, a famous general of the Tang Dynasty, was known for his generosity and kindness. His younger brother served as the governor of Daizhou and was known for his uprightness but lacked social skills. Once, Lou Shide asked his brother how he would handle conflicts with others. His brother replied that if someone spat on his face, he would simply wipe it off. Lou Shide said, 'That's not right; wiping it off would only anger him further. It's better to let it dry.' The brother was puzzled, but Lou Shide explained that in life, it was important to focus on the bigger picture. For minor issues, one shouldn't overreact but should yield to defuse conflicts and demonstrate one's character. This story is the origin of the idiom "tuò miàn zì gān," symbolizing the virtue of tolerance and forbearance. Throughout history, Lou Shide has earned respect for his magnanimous character and left behind valuable spiritual wealth for future generations. He led his troops in battles against Tubo, winning numerous victories, but always maintained a peaceful demeanor. He was never arrogant, even when faced with enemy provocation, showing great nobility. His heart was as broad as the ocean, his character as majestic as a mountain.
Usage
常用来形容人能忍辱负重,不与人计较,非常有气度。
It is often used to describe someone who can endure humiliation and hardship, does not argue with others, and is very dignified.
Examples
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他这种忍辱负重的行为,简直就是唾面自干!
ta zhe zhong ren ru fu zhong de xing wei, jian zhi jiushi tuo mian zi gan!
His behavior of enduring humiliation and heavy responsibilities is simply like letting the spit dry on his face!
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面对如此大的委屈,他却选择了唾面自干,令人钦佩。
mian dui ru ci da de wei qu, ta que xuan ze le tuo mian zi gan, ling ren qin pei
Faced with such great injustice, he chose to let the spit dry on his face, which is admirable.