旁征博引
旁征博引 (páng zhēng bó yǐn) literally means “extensively cite sources” and expresses “backing a case with wide-ranging citation”. This idiom is used when describing situations involving wisdom and learning.
Also searched as: pang zheng bo yin, pang zheng bo yin,旁征博引 meaning, 旁征博引 in english
Backing a case with wide-ranging citation
Pronunciation: páng zhēng bó yǐn Literal meaning: Extensively cite sources
Origin & Usage
To seek broadly (旁征) and quote extensively (博引). It names a manner of arguing, one in which evidence is gathered from many directions and the case is built out of other people's authority. Chinese does not treat that as automatically admirable. Used warmly it praises real scholarship, and used coolly it describes the speaker who has read a great deal and is telling you about all of it, which is a distinction worth hearing before you accept the compliment.
Examples
English: "In his lecture, he drew on a wide range of sources to support his argument."
Chinese: 在他的讲座中，他旁征博引，引用了大量的资料来支持他的论点。
Related Chinese Idioms
Similar idioms about wisdom & learning
抛砖引玉
pāo zhuān yǐn yù
Offer modest view to inspire better
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触类旁通
chù lèi páng tōng
Apply knowledge broadly
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旁观者清
páng guān zhě qīng
Unbiased perspective
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引火烧身
yǐn huǒ shāo shēn
Bring trouble upon oneself
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博学多才
bó xué duō cái
Versatile and learned
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博古通今
bó gǔ tōng jīn
Wise and learned
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博闻强记
bó wén qiáng jì
Knowledgeable and retentive
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旁敲侧击
páng qiāo cè jī
Approach indirectly to achieve goal
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Frequently Asked Questions
What does 旁征博引 mean in English?
旁征博引 (páng zhēng bó yǐn) literally translates to “Extensively cite sources” and is used to express “Backing a case with wide-ranging citation”. This Chinese idiom belongs to the Wisdom & Learning category.
When is 旁征博引 used?
Situation: In his lecture, he drew on a wide range of sources to support his argument.
What is the pinyin for 旁征博引?
The pinyin pronunciation for 旁征博引 is “páng zhēng bó yǐn”.