Chinese Idiom: 拾人牙慧 (Shi Ren Ya Hui)
English Translation: Picking Up Someone Else’s Wisdom
pīn yīn: shí rén yá huì
Idiom Meaning: To take someone else’s words or ideas and present them as one’s own. It refers to borrowing or superficially using what others have said.
Historical Source: 《世说新语 ·文学》 (Records of the World: Literature)
Idiom Story:
In the Jin Dynasty, there was a man named Yin Hao, who was fond of the Dao De Jing and the I Ching, speaking with great eloquence on these subjects. His nephew, Han Kangbo, was very clever and witty, earning Yin Hao’s admiration.
One day, Yin Hao observed Han Kangbo discussing matters with others, exhibiting a pompous and self-satisfied demeanor. This prompted Yin Hao to admonish him, saying, “Kangbo hasn’t yet grasped my insights and still thinks he is so impressive.”
The phrase “拾人牙慧” thus emerged as a metaphor. It likens taking someone else’s carefully considered words – like picking up the remnants of food after someone has chewed it – and treating them as precious treasures, while pretending they are one’s own to boast about.
This idiom serves as a caution against superficiality and the lack of originality in thought and expression. It highlights the importance of genuine understanding and contribution, rather than merely rehashing the ideas of others.
