"Staggered" - this idiom sounds like a mysterious code that came out of an ancient book, and people can't help but mutter: "What do you pronounce the first two words?" "Don't worry, let's unravel it.
"履lǚ", simply put, is a shoe; "舄xì" is a very special kind of shoes in ancient times, with a wooden bottom and a clattering sound when walking, a bit like our high-heeled shoes today, but it is an ancient version. Put these two words together, "staggered", and the picture sense immediately comes: a pile of shoes, piled up in a haphazard manner, as if to say: "Hey, it's been lively here!" ”
This idiom, its story has to start from the "Historical Records· Funny Biography", it was the Warring States Period, King Qi Wei especially likes to listen to nice words, just like we sometimes love to listen to sweet words.
There was a smart man named Chun Yuji, who wanted to persuade King Qi Wei not to be immersed in these vain words, and to do something serious.
So, he said something like this: "Look at the current Qi country, men and women on the street, shoes are thrown everywhere, drinking and drinking are messy, even the candles are extinguished, that is called a lively!" This sounds like he is praising the prosperity of the Qi Kingdom, but in fact, it is Chun Yuyu who tells King Qi Wei in a roundabout way: "Boss, it's time to get down to business, don't be fun!" ”
Therefore, "staggered shoes" is not as simple as putting shoes around, what is hidden behind it is the wisdom and culture of our ancestors.
In ancient times, this idiom was often used to describe those banquets, gatherings, etc., where there were so many people that it was like rushing to a market, and it was very lively.
You think, people gathered at that time, unlike now, when we have fixed tables and chairs, everyone sits on the ground, and their shoes are naturally taken off. When there are many people, there are many shoes, piled together, which is the true portrayal of "staggered tracks".
For example, just like our family gathering during the Chinese New Year, a large family gathers together, and it is very lively. Children chase and play in the yard, while adults chat and play cards in the house. What about shoes?
I don't know where I was kicked for a long time, in the living room, at the door, everywhere, isn't this the modern version of "staggered"?
For example, at the company's annual meeting, everyone wore bright clothes, high heels, leather shoes, sneakers, all kinds, as soon as they arrived at the venue, they took off their shoes, oops, that scene was simply a vivid reproduction of "staggered"!
Therefore, although the idiom "staggered" seems a bit strange, it contains our Chinese's unique understanding and emotions of liveliness and reunion.