To be extremely quick-witted and talented, especially in literary composition; to compose a poem or essay with great speed and skill.
Era:
Ancient
Frequency:
Story:
During the Three Kingdoms period, Cao Zhi, the youngest son of Cao Cao, was known for his quick wit and brilliant literary talent.
His elder brother, Cao Pi, who had dethroned Emperor Xian of Han and established the Wei dynasty, challenged Cao Zhi to compose a poem within the time it took to walk seven steps.
Cao Zhi promptly recited: 'Beans are boiled to make soup, the husks are strained to make juice; the beanstalks burn beneath the pot, the beans weep within the pot; we were born from the same root, why are we so eager to torment each other!'
Cao Pi, still finding 'composing an essay in seven steps' too slow, further demanded that Cao Zhi compose a poem instantly upon hearing a prompt.