扪虱而谈 — “To converse with ease and composure”

扪虱而谈 is a Chinese idiom (chengyu) meaning “to converse with ease and composure”. Often implying a candid, unperturbed, or even disdainful demeanor despite the circumstances or importance of the topic. Literally, “Fingering lice and talking”.

Frequency

扪虱而谈 Pronunciation and Pinyin

扪虱而谈 Character Breakdown

Stroke Order

Character	Pinyin	Strokes	Meaning
扪	mén	6	touch or feel for self-reflection
虱	shī	8	louse or parasitic person
而	ér	6	and, but, then
谈	tán	10	talk, discuss, converse

Example Sentence with 扪虱而谈

在一次重要的会谈中，他神态自若，甚至能在思考时摸摸衣襟，一副扪虱而谈的从容样子，让在场的人都对他刮目相看。

During an important meeting, he remained completely composed, even idly touching his lapel while thinking, displaying a remarkably relaxed and candid demeanor that earned him great respect from everyone present.

Origin and Story of 扪虱而谈

During the Sixteen Kingdoms period, there was a minister in Former Qin named Wang Meng, whose courtesy name was Jinglüe. He hailed from Ju in Beihai (present-day southeast Shouguang, Shandong). Wang Meng was extensively learned, fond of military treatises, cautious, stern, and resolute; he was a renowned statesman in Chinese history.

In 354 AD, Huan Wen, a prominent general of the Eastern Jin dynasty, launched a northern expedition. Upon entering Guanzhong, Wang Meng, dressed in commoner's attire, went to meet Huan Wen. During their conversation, he discussed the significant affairs of the day while nonchalantly reaching into his clothes to scratch for lice, as if oblivious to his surroundings. Huan Wen, observing Wang Meng's extraordinary manner of speech and conduct, engaged in a cordial discussion with him and even bestowed upon him a carriage and horses.

At that time, Fu Jian, the emperor of Former Qin, harbored ambitions to unify the land. Hearing of Wang Meng's great talent, he invited him to serve as his prime minister. Wang Meng demonstrated his exceptional wisdom and ability, ultimately assisting Fu Jian in unifying the North.

Wang Meng passed away from illness in 375 AD, at the age of 50. Historical records state that after his death, "the court and the common people mourned for three days."