Refers to a minor, trifling, or insignificant skill; a petty accomplishment or trick that is not worth mentioning, often used self-deprecatingly or to dismiss others' minor talents.
Era:
Ancient
Frequency:
Synonym:
Antonym:
Story:
During the Tang Dynasty, there was a man named Han Chaozong who was very enthusiastic and often helped young people find good jobs. Everyone respected him greatly.
One day, a young man named Li Bai wrote a letter to Han Chaozong, asking for his help in finding work. At the end of the letter, he wrote: "...I fear my writings are merely insignificant tricks, unworthy of your appreciation." This humble young man, Li Bai, later became a renowned great poet!
From then on, people used " 雕虫小技 " (diāo chóng xiǎo jì) to describe writing or doing things with only minor techniques or skills.