Chinese idiom · 成语
千金市骨
Meaning
A thousand gold for a horse’s bones; to value talent highly.
Character by character
Origin and story
Persuasive fableIn the Zhanguo Ce (戰國策), Yan Strategies I, Guo Wei advises King Zhao of Yan by telling a story about an earlier, unnamed ruler who wanted an exceptional horse. An attendant finds that a sought-after horse has already died, yet pays five hundred gold units for its head. The ruler is angry at paying so much for a dead animal.
The attendant explains that such a purchase will convince people that the ruler truly values fine horses. Within a year, three outstanding horses arrive. Guo Wei’s point is that generous treatment demonstrates sincerity and attracts further talent. He tells the story; he is not the person who bought the horse’s remains. The idiom applies the costly signal of respect to recruiting capable people.
In everyday life
这家小公司高薪请来资深工程师，有千金市骨的用意，希望吸引更多人才。
The small company hired a senior engineer at a high salary to demonstrate how much it values talent and attract more skilled people.
A literary expression for showing genuine commitment to recruiting talent, especially through generous treatment.