Chinese Idiom: 讳疾忌医 (Hui Ji Ji Yi)
English Translation: Avoid discussing illness for fear of medical treatment
pīn yīn: huì jí jì yī
Idiom Meaning: To cover up one’s flaws or mistakes and refuse to correct them.
Historical Source: “Han Feizi” (《韩非子·喻老》)
Idiom Story:
Bian Que was a renowned physician during the Warring States period, known for his exceptional medical skills and dedication to healing. He traveled extensively, treating patients and gaining a reputation that likened him to the legendary divine physician of old.
One day, Bian Que visited Duke Huan of Cai. After observing the Duke for a while, he cautioned him, “Your Majesty, you are unwell. Your illness is still superficial; if not treated promptly, it will worsen.” The Duke laughed it off, saying, “What illness? I am perfectly fine!” After his warning, Bian Que left, and the Duke mocked him, suggesting that doctors only seek to show off their skills by treating imaginary illnesses.
Ten days later, Bian Que returned to warn the Duke again, stating that his illness had progressed to his muscles and blood. This time, the Duke grew irritated, still denying any illness. After another ten days, Bian Que visited once more, insisting that the illness had now entered the Duke’s intestines and stomach. Yet again, the Duke dismissed him.
Finally, ten days later, Bian Que visited the Duke but merely glanced at him before turning to leave. The Duke, puzzled by this behavior, sent someone to inquire about it. Bian Que explained, “As long as the illness is in the skin, muscles, or intestines, it can still be treated. However, now your illness has reached your bones; there is no cure left.”
Tragically, just five days later, Duke Huan experienced severe pain and urgently sent for Bian Que, but the physician had already fled to the state of Qin. The Duke succumbed to his illness shortly thereafter.
This story illustrates the dangers of denying one’s flaws or ailments, embodied in the idiom “讳疾忌医.”