Why is asking someone for convenience called "borrowing light?"

Chinese culture has been deeply imprinted on all aspects of our daily lives, and the language and vocabulary are also very particular. Today, Qi will talk to you about "borrowing light".

"Borrow light" has become a very common polite expression. For example, when entering and exiting crowded elevators, trains, and buses, we often hear people asking others to give way. We always politely say "borrow the light", which means to disturb others and ask others to make it convenient for us. So, why use the metaphor of “borrowing light”?

According to the dictionary "Jiuguang" published in "Warring States Policy." Qin Ce". During the Warring States Period, Qin State Minister Gan Mao was framed by treacherous ministers, so after escaping from Qin State, he prepared to take refuge in Qi State.

As soon as Gan Mao left Hangu Pass, he met Su Dai. Gan Mao asked Su Dai, "Have you ever heard the story of the young girls by the river?" Su Dai replied, "No." Gan Mao continued, "There are many young girls by the river, and they often gather in the house to do it together. One of the girls was from a poor family and could not afford candles.

The other girls disliked her, so they got together to discuss and wanted to drive her away. When she was about to leave, she said to the girls, "Because I can't afford lights, I often arrive first. I clean the house and lay out the seats. Why do you begrudge the little residual light that shines on the walls? What if you give me a little?" Yu Guang, what can I do to you? I thought I was helpful to you, so why do you have to drive me away?'

After discussing it, the girls thought she was right. Let her stay." Su Dai understood Gan Mao's situation after hearing this, and later recommended him to Qi State. Soon the King of Qi made him a minister and kept him in Qi State.

In addition to asking others to provide convenience, "borrowing light" is also used to describe gaining benefits by relying on other people's status, reputation or glory. Such as "The Scholars". "Chapter 33" uploaded: "I have heard for a long time that Brother Shi is very talented, so the imperial court imitated the ancient conquest ceremony. My students want to lend their support and do not refuse." And Zheng Xie of the Qing Dynasty's "Short Introduction to Sixteen Tong Family Letters": "Banqiao In poetry, I don’t like to ask others for narration. It’s shameful to ask for help from princes and nobles.”

In addition, you can also use “borrowing light” when asking others to show you the way. Such as "The Heroes of Sons and Daughters". Chapter Fourteen": "This time the young master is different from the previous one. He got off the donkey, stepped forward and pulled the man's sleeves, and said: 'Excuse me! Where is Dongzhuang'er?'"

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