旁征博引 páng zhēng bó yǐn Extensive citation

Explanation

旁征博引，指说话、写文章引用材料作为依据或例证。广泛地搜集各种材料，进行多方面的引证。

It means to cite materials as a basis or evidence when speaking or writing. It implies a comprehensive collection of various materials and their use as evidence.

Origin Story

唐高宗李治时期，武卫大将军权善才因不小心砍伐了昭陵的柏树而被判死罪。大臣狄仁杰认为权善才罪不至死，便向皇帝旁征博引，列举了汉文帝赦免偷盗皇家玉器的张释之，魏文帝不追究偷盗自己衣物的小偷等历史案例，说明贤明君主应依法治国，最终救下了权善才。狄仁杰的旁征博引，不仅展现了他渊博的学识，更体现了他公正严明的执法精神。这故事也告诉我们，在处理事情时，要考虑周全，运用历史经验，才能做出明智的判断。

táng gāozōng lǐ zhì shíqī, wǔ wèi dà jiāngjūn quán shàn cái yīn bù xiǎoxīn kǎn fá le zhāolíng de bǎi shù ér bèi pàn sǐ zuì. dà chén dí rénjié rènwéi quán shàn cái zuì bù zhì sǐ, biàn xiàng huángdì páng zhēng bó yǐn, lièjǔ le hàn wén dì shèmiǎn tōudào huángjiā yùqì de zhāng shì zhī, wèi wén dì bù zhuījiū tōudào zìjǐ yīwù de xiǎotōu děng lìshǐ àn lì, shuōmíng xiánmíng jūnzhǔ yīng yīfǎ zhì guó, zuìzhōng jiù xià le quán shàn cái. dí rénjié de páng zhēng bó yǐn, bù jǐn zhǎnxian le tā yuānbó de xuéshí, gèng tǐxiàn le tā gōngzhèng yánmíng de zhífǎ jīngshen. zhè gùshì yě gàosù wǒmen, zài chǔlǐ shìqíng shí, yào kǎolǜ zhōuquán, yùnyòng lìshǐ jīngyàn, cáinéng zuò chū míngzhì de pànduàn

During the reign of Emperor Gaozong of the Tang Dynasty, Quan Shancai, a general of the imperial guard, was sentenced to death for accidentally damaging cypress trees in the Zhaoling Mausoleum. Minister Di Renjie believed Quan Shancai didn't deserve death, and cited historical examples such as Emperor Wen of Han pardoning a thief who stole imperial jade and Emperor Wen of Wei overlooking the theft of his own clothing. He argued that wise rulers should govern by law and saved Quan Shancai. Di Renjie's extensive citations demonstrated not only his profound knowledge but also his impartial and just spirit. This story teaches that careful consideration and application of historical experience are vital for making wise decisions.

Usage

用于形容说话或写作时引用材料多而广泛，论证充分。

yòng yú xiáoróng shuōhuà huò xiězuò shí yǐnyòng cáiliào duō ér guǎngfàn, lùnzhèng chōngfèn

Used to describe when speaking or writing, citing many and extensive materials, resulting in a full argumentation.

Examples

• 他演讲时旁征博引，引经据典，令人印象深刻。

  ta yǎnjiǎng shí páng zhēng bó yǐn, yǐn jīng jù diǎn, lìng rén yìnxiàng shēnkè

  His speech was rich in quotations and examples, very convincing.

• 这篇论文旁征博引，论证充分，很有说服力。

  zhè piān lùnwén páng zhēng bó yǐn, lùnzhèng chōngfèn, hěn yǒu shuōfú lì

  This essay is well-researched and supports its arguments with numerous quotations and examples.

Related Idioms

• 引经据典

• 博闻强识

Opposite Idioms

• 理屈詞窮

• 语无伦次