妙手回春

Pronunciation: miào shǒu huí chūn Literal meaning: Skilled hands bring spring

Origin & Usage

This healing idiom praises marvelous (妙) hands (手) that can bring back (回) spring/life (春), originating from Tang Dynasty medical texts. It first described legendary physician Sun Simiao's ability to revive seemingly hopeless patients. The seasonal metaphor of spring representing renewal was particularly meaningful in Chinese medical philosophy, where health was seen as natural harmony restored. During the Song Dynasty, the phrase gained prominence as medical case histories documented remarkable recoveries attributed to skilled doctors. Modern usage primarily honors exceptional medical practitioners but extends to anyone with transformative skill in their profession - from financial experts who rescue failing businesses to educators who revitalize struggling students.

When to Use

Situation: The surgeon's extraordinary technique saved the patient's life against all odds

---

Discover a new Chinese idiom every day with our iOS app.