引经据典

1. Basic Information

• Pinyin: yǐn jīng jù diǎn
• English Translation: Citing the classics (to support an argument)
• Idiom Composition: 「引」（To cite, quote, or draw from.）＋「经」（Classics or authoritative scriptures, such as the Confucian classics.）＋「据」（To use as a basis, evidence, or foundation.）＋「典」（Allusions, historical records, or ancient laws.）
• Meaning: To quote from authoritative classics or historical records to support one's speech or writing. While it increases persuasiveness, it can sometimes imply being pedantic or showing off one's knowledge.

2. Detailed Meaning and Nuances

「引经据典」 contains the following nuances:

• Borrowing Authority: This is more than just a simple quote; it is the act of using recognized 经 (jīng - classics) and 典 (diǎn - allusions) to reinforce the legitimacy and correctness of one's logic.
• Proof of Erudition: Because this practice requires extensive reading and a vast memory, it serves as a benchmark for the speaker's or writer's level of education and cultural depth.

3. Usage

「引经据典」 is mainly used in the following contexts:

• Academic & Formal Discourse: Used in essays, speeches, or debates to strengthen an argument by providing solid evidence from authoritative sources.
  • Example:「这位教授讲课时总是引经据典，让学生们大开眼界。」
    （This professor always cites the classics during his lectures, which really broadens the students' horizons.）
• Sarcasm & Criticism: Used in daily conversation to mock someone for being too formal, pedantic, or for showing off their knowledge unnecessarily.
  • Example:「别跟我引经据典了，直接说重点好吗？」
    （Stop quoting scriptures at me and just get to the point, okay?）
• Writing & Literary Style: Used to praise a literary style that is rich in knowledge and well-supported by historical references.
  • Example:「他的文章引经据典，文采斐然，读起来很有韵味。」
    （His writing draws heavily from historical records, is brilliantly written, and is a pleasure to read.）

Additional Examples:

1. 辩论会上，双方选手引经据典，互不相让。
   （During the debate, both sides cited authoritative sources and refused to back down.）
2. 为了说服顽固的父亲，他不得不引经据典地讲了一大通道理。
   （To persuade his stubborn father, he had to quote ancient teachings at length to explain his reasoning.）
3. 写历史小说需要查阅大量资料，才能做到引经据典，符合史实。
   （Writing historical fiction requires researching vast amounts of material to ensure the story is based on historical records and remains accurate.）
4. 他说话喜欢引经据典，有时候让人觉得有点掉书袋。
   （He loves quoting the classics when he speaks, which sometimes makes people feel he is a bit of a pedant.）

4. Cultural Background and Notes

• Origin: This idiom is derived from the Book of the Later Han (后汉书 - Hòu Hàn Shū), specifically the biography of Xun Shuang (荀爽). It originally described using Confucian classics to argue for moral and political correctness.
• Modern Context: In traditional Chinese culture, quoting authorities like Confucius (孔子) or Mencius (孟子) was considered the ultimate way to win an argument. While still respected today as a sign of high culture, in fast-paced business or casual settings, it can sometimes be viewed as being 'stiff' or 'inflexible.'

5. Similar and Opposite Idioms

• Similar Idioms:
  • 旁征博引 (páng zhēng bó yǐn): To cite extensively from a wide range of sources; broader than 引经据典 (yǐn jīng jù diǎn) as it is not limited to the classics.
  • 引古证今 (yǐn gǔ zhèng jīn): To cite the past to prove or explain the present.
  • 信手拈来 (xìn shǒu niān lái): To do something with ease and without much thought.link
• Opposite Idioms:
  • 信口开河 (xìn kǒu kāi hé): To talk nonsense or speak off the cuff without any basis or evidence.
  • 胡说八道 (hú shuō bā dào): To talk sheer nonsense; statements that completely lack logic or foundation.
  • 夸夸其谈 (kuā kuā qí tán): To talk boastfully and without substance.link
  • 一知半解 (yī zhī bàn jiě): To have a superficial understanding of something.link

6. Summary

引经据典 (yǐn jīng jù diǎn) refers to the practice of backing up one's claims by citing authoritative texts or historical precedents. In academic and formal contexts, it is a positive trait signifying erudition. However, in casual conversation, it may be perceived as being overly formal or 'bookish,' so it should be used with consideration for the setting.