箕帚之使 — “A humble or self-deprecating term for one's wife”

Q: What is the Chinese definition of 箕帚之使?

持箕帚，以供扫除之役。借作己妻之谦称。

箕帚之使 is a Chinese idiom (chengyu) meaning “a humble or self-deprecating term for one's wife”. Implying she is devoted to household chores and manages the domestic affairs. Literally, “Servant of broom and dustpan”.

Frequency

箕帚之使 Pronunciation and Pinyin

箕帚之使 Character Breakdown

Stroke Order

Character	Pinyin	Strokes	Meaning
箕	jī	14	winnowing basket or dustpan
帚	zhǒu	8	a broom for sweeping
之	zhī	4	possessive or connective particle
使	shǐ	8	make, cause, use, send

Example Sentence with 箕帚之使

他常对友人说，多亏我那箕帚之使操持家务，我才能安心在外闯荡。

He often told his friends, "Thanks to my humble wife managing the household, I can focus on my endeavors outside."

Origin and Story of 箕帚之使

During the Spring and Autumn period, King Zhuang of Chu dispatched an envoy with a hundred pounds of gold to recruit Mr. Beiguo.

Mr. Beiguo said he needed to discuss it with his 'broom and dustpan servant' (referring to his wife).

He entered his home and said to his wife, 'The state of Chu wishes to appoint me as its prime minister. If I become prime minister today, I would ride in an elegant carriage drawn by four horses and enjoy sumptuous feasts. What are your thoughts?'

His wife responded that she would respect whatever decision he made.