Chinese Idiom: 望梅止渴 (Wang Mei Zhi Ke)
English Translation: Looking at plums to quench thirst
pīn yīn: wàng méi zhǐ kě
Idiom Meaning: This idiom refers to the idea of false imagination that cannot become reality; it is often used to describe a wish that cannot be fulfilled, comforting oneself with empty hopes.
Historical Source: Shishuo Xinyu (世说新语) – “A New Account of the Tales of the World,” under the section of “False and Deceptive.”
Idiom Story:
During the late Eastern Han Dynasty, there was a time when Cao Cao led his army on a long expedition to subdue Zhang Xiu. While marching through desolate mountains on a hot day, the soldiers found no water to drink, and their lips became chapped. They were all exhausted, and the army faced significant difficulties due to their thirst.
At that moment, Cao Cao, riding on horseback, suddenly thought of a clever idea. He raised his whip and pointed ahead, shouting, “There is a great plum grove ahead! Hurry up! The sweet and sour plums can quench our thirst!” His intent was to motivate the soldiers by making them think of the juicy plums.
Hearing this, the soldiers recalled the taste of the sweet and sour plums, and their mouths watered at the thought. Instantly, they felt less thirsty and were filled with renewed energy. Soon after, they arrived at a place with water.
Based on this story, people later summarized the phrase “望梅止渴” (wàng méi zhǐ kě) to describe the act of using imagination to alleviate discomfort.
