Chinese culture is rich in idioms, many of which use food-related metaphors to convey complex ideas. Have you ever come across the intriguing phrase “闭门羹 (bì mén gēng)” and wondered what it truly means? Or is it delicious?
Actually, “闭门羹 (bì mén gēng)” is a Chinese idiom that means “cold shoulder” or “refusal.” But, what’s fascinating about this idiom is that it hides a interesting story.
The Origins of “闭门羹 (Bì mén gēng)”
During the prosperous Tang Dynasty, Xuancheng was famous not only for its beautiful landscapes but also for a talented woman named Shi Feng. Renowned for her beauty and exceptional abilities, Shi Feng became a legendary figure who attracted many admirers.
However, Shi Feng was selective about her visitors. Understanding the limitations of her time and energy, she wanted to avoid unnecessary interruptions. So, she came up with a unique way to manage her guests: the “闭门羹 (bì mén gēng),” or “closed-door soup.” When she wished to avoid visitors, she would have her family place a bowl of carefully prepared soup at the door as a gentle refusal.
In conclusion, this bowl of soup was more than just a dish; it was a subtle form of communication, conveying an apology and sparing the visitor the embarrassment of a direct rejection. And as time goes by, “闭门羹 (bì mén gēng)” became a symbol of tactful refusal.
Modern Usage of “闭门羹 (Bì mén gēng)”
Today, “闭门羹 (bì mén gēng)” is commonly used to describe situations where someone is rejected or does not receive the expected response.
Examples:
Zuòwéi yèwù yuán, měitiān zǒng huì chībìméngēng.
作为业务员，每天总会吃闭门羹。
As a salesperson, I often get the cold shoulder.
Xiàbān huí dào zìjǐ jiā chīle bìméngēng.
下班回到自己家吃了闭门羹。
When I got home from work, I faced a cold shoulder.
Zhè cì nǐ kě bùyào zài ràng wǒ chībìméngēngle.
这次你可不要再让我吃闭门羹了。
Please don’t make me face a cold shoulder this time.
There are other Chinese idioms related to food that carry deeper meanings, such as “有你好果子吃 (Yǒu nǐ hǎo guǒ zi chī)” and “敬酒不吃吃罚酒 (Jìng jiǔ bù chī chī fá jiǔ).” If you’re curious about these phrases and more Chinese idioms, or if you want to improve your Chinese communication skills, sign up now to get a free one-on-one trial Chinese class and access to a wealth of learning resources.
