Chinese Idiom: 千里送鹅毛 (Qian Li Song E Mao)
English Translation: A Thousand Miles for a Goose Feather
pīn yīn: qiān lǐ sòng é máo
Idiom Meaning: Indicates that although the gift may be small or humble, the sentiment behind it is profound and heartfelt.
Historical Source: Lu Shi (《路史》) by Xu Wei, Ming Dynasty.
Idiom Story:
During the Tang Dynasty, there was an official stationed in a remote area who sent a man named Mian Bogao to present a tribute of swans to the emperor in the capital. On his journey, the man passed by Mianyang Lake, and due to the hot weather, he decided to give the swans a wash. However, as he loosened his hold, the swans flew away, leaving behind only a single feather.
Mian Bogao was deeply troubled. Returning without the tribute would surely lead to punishment. Determined to fulfill his duty, he took the single goose feather to the capital and presented it to the emperor. He also composed a poem explaining his predicament and the circumstances:
“Offering tribute to the court, the journey is long and high.
The swan flew away at Mianyang Lake, and I cried out in despair.
To the Tang Emperor, I plead for leniency,
Though the gift is light, the sentiment is deep, a thousand miles for a goose feather.”
This story led to the idiom “千里送鹅毛” (“A thousand miles for a goose feather”), symbolizing that even a small gift, when given with great effort and sincerity, carries significant meaning.
The idiom is often used to highlight the importance of the thought and effort behind a gift rather than its material value. The poet Su Shi also referenced this sentiment in his poem, noting that even a humble gift like a goose feather, sent a thousand miles, carries more value than a lavish gift without sincerity.
