Shoulders rubbing, heels treading; describing a place densely packed with people, making it difficult to move.
Era:
Ancient
Frequency:
Antonym:
Story:
During the Spring and Autumn period, Yan Ying, the Prime Minister of the State of Qi, was sent as an envoy to the State of Chu.
The King of Chu intended to humiliate him, refusing to let him enter through the main gate and remarking that Qi must have no capable people if they sent such a short man.
Yan Ying retorted that the streets of Qi were so crowded that people walked shoulder to shoulder and heel to heel, their sweat gathered like rain, and their sleeves created clouds.
He further stated that Qi's diplomatic protocol dictated that an incompetent envoy should only meet an incompetent ruler.
The King of Chu, realizing he had brought the humiliation upon himself, had no choice but to receive Yan Ying with proper respect.