修饰边幅 — “To pay meticulous attention to one's personal appearance and attire”

修饰边幅 is a Chinese idiom (chengyu) meaning “to pay meticulous attention to one's personal appearance and attire”. To smarten oneself up. It can also metaphorically refer to making superficial improvements without addressing the core issues. Literally, “adorn one's appearance”.

Frequency

修饰边幅 Pronunciation and Pinyin

修饰边幅 Character Breakdown

Stroke Order

Character	Pinyin	Strokes	Meaning
修	xiū	10	to repair, cultivate, or build
饰	shì	8	decorate, adorn, play a role
边	biān	6	side, edge, border, while
幅	fú	12	width, extent, measure word

Example Sentence with 修饰边幅

他一向不修边幅，今天却特意修饰边幅，看来是要去见重要客人。

He usually doesn't bother with his appearance, but today he specially smartened himself up; it seems he's going to meet an important guest.

Origin and Story of 修饰边幅

In the late Western Han Dynasty, Wei Ao sent Ma Yuan to persuade Gongsun Shu to form an alliance against Liu Xiu. Ma Yuan and Gongsun Shu were old friends from the same hometown.

However, Gongsun Shu, who had set himself up as an emperor and adopted a grand facade, looked down upon Ma Yuan's unkempt appearance. He even sent someone to deliver official robes to Ma Yuan, advising him to pay more attention to his grooming and appearance. Ma Yuan was greatly displeased by Gongsun Shu's arrogance and superficiality. He subsequently abandoned the idea of allying with Gongsun Shu and instead went to join Liu Xiu.

Recognizing Liu Xiu's exceptional talent and strategic vision, Ma Yuan pledged his allegiance in Luoyang. Due to his numerous military achievements, Ma Yuan was later appointed as the Fubo General.