举案齐眉

Pronunciation: jǔ àn qí méi Literal meaning: Raise tray level with eyebrows

Origin & Usage

This idiom describes raising (举) a food tray (案) level (齐) with one's eyebrows (眉). It comes from the story of Meng Guang who showed deep respect for her husband Liang Hong by always raising his food tray to eye level when serving him. Modern usage describes marriages characterized by deep mutual respect and devotion, where partners honor each other.

Examples

English: "Their relationship exemplifies mutual respect and devotion."

Chinese: 他们的关系是举案齐眉的典范。