To make a fool of oneself by clumsily imitating others, especially by adopting someone else's mannerisms without understanding the underlying essence; blind imitation that leads to ridicule.
Era:
Ancient
Frequency:
Story:
Xishi, one of the 'Four Great Beauties' of ancient China, lived in the State of Yue during the Spring and Autumn period. Every one of her movements was captivating. Unfortunately, she suffered from a heart condition that caused her chest pain.
One day, after washing clothes by the river, she was on her way home when a sudden pang of chest pain forced her to clutch her chest and frown. Though she looked distressed and uncomfortable, the villagers who saw her praised her, saying she appeared even more beautiful than usual in that posture.
In the same village lived a girl named Dongshi, who was not attractive. Seeing how the villagers admired Xishi's pained expression, Dongshi decided to imitate her.
She too clutched her chest, frowned, and walked slowly in front of people, thinking she would also receive compliments. However, Dongshi was already plain-looking, and her deliberate imitation of Xishi's movements, coupled with her affected and strange appearance, only made people dislike her even more. Some who saw her quickly shut their doors, while others hurriedly pulled their wives and children away, despising Dongshi even more than before.