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In the late Qin Dynasty, Liu Bang was stationed in Chenliu County. Li Yiji, a man of extraordinary talent and learning, came to join Liu Bang. At that time, Liu Bang was washing his feet.
Li Yiji refused to bow and criticized Liu Bang for disrespecting an elder. Upon hearing this, Liu Bang immediately stood up, apologized, and invited Li Yiji to take the seat of honor.
Later, Li Yiji became Liu Bang's capable advisor, strategizing for him to unify the empire.

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Open the tool →吐哺辍洗 (tǔ bǔ chuò xǐ) is a Chinese idiom (chengyu) meaning “to stop eating (spit out food) or interrupt one's washing to receive a guest, demonstrating profound respect and eagerness to welcome worthy and talented individuals; to show great courtesy to scholars and people of ability”.
吐哺辍洗 is pronounced tǔ bǔ chuò xǐ in Mandarin Chinese.
Literally, 吐哺辍洗 means “spit out food and stop washing”. It is used to mean “to stop eating (spit out food) or interrupt one's washing to receive a guest, demonstrating profound respect and eagerness to welcome worthy and talented individuals; to show great courtesy to scholars and people of ability”.
吐哺辍洗 comes from a classical Chinese story dating back to ancient China. The full story is on this page.
后世以之为礼贤下士之典实。