To look at someone with new eyes, recognizing their significant progress and development after a period of absence. It implies that one should not judge a person by their past self, but acknowledge their present improvements and capabilities.
Era:
Ancient
Frequency:
Story:
The idiom "士别三日，刮目相待" (After three days' absence, a scholar should be looked at with new eyes) comes from the Three Kingdoms period in China, involving Lü Meng and Lu Su from the state of Eastern Wu. Lü Meng was initially known for not being very studious or well-read. Lu Su, a prominent general and strategist, once held a rather low opinion of Lü Meng's intellectual capacity.
However, after the death of Zhou Yu, Lü Meng succeeded him as the Grand Commander of Eastern Wu. When Lu Su met Lü Meng again after a period, he was astonished by Lü Meng's profound knowledge and strategic insights, particularly in military affairs.
Lu Su, greatly surprised, jokingly remarked, "Now, you are no longer the 'A Meng' from Wu County!" Lü Meng famously replied, "When a scholar parts for three days, he should be looked at with new eyes!"
This phrase later became a widely used idiom to praise someone for their rapid progress and significant improvements in knowledge or ability in a relatively short time.