Chinese Idiom: 量体裁衣 (Liang Ti Cai Yi)
English Translation: Measuring the Body to Tailor Clothes
pīn yīn: liàng tǐ cái yī
Idiom Meaning: This idiom means to make decisions and handle problems based on actual circumstances.
Historical Source: From Jiyuan Jisou by Zhao Jishi, a writer from the Qing Dynasty.
Idiom Story:
During the Ming Dynasty, in the Jiajing period, there was a tailor in Beijing who specialized in making ready-to-wear clothing. His garments were always perfectly fitted in terms of length and width. The tailor’s skill lay in the fact that he did not merely take measurements mechanically or follow standard patterns; instead, he was adept at “determining length and width” based on the wearer’s personality, age, appearance, and even physiological characteristics.
One day, an official of the Court of Censors needed a ceremonial robe made quickly for a visit to the palace. He invited the tailor to his home. The tailor skillfully took the man’s measurements and politely asked, “How long have you been in office?” The official, puzzled, replied, “You’re just here to make clothes; why do you ask that?”
The tailor explained, “If you are young and hold a high position, you must be quite proud, walking with your chest out and belly in. In that case, the robe should be shorter in the back and longer in the front. If you are approaching middle age, with a calmer demeanor, the garment should be of equal length front and back. If you have served in your position for many years and are preparing to retire, you might feel disheartened and tend to slouch while walking, so the robe should be longer in the back and shorter in the front. Additionally, if you are stout, the waist should be wider; if you are thin, the waist should be narrower. For someone with a hurried temperament, the clothing should be shorter; for a more laid-back personality, it should be longer. Therefore, if I do not understand these aspects, how can I create a satisfying and well-fitted garment?”
