Chinese idiom · 成语
四体不勤
Meaning
Four limbs not diligent; lazy and idle.
Character by character
Origin and story
classical anecdoteIn Analects 18.7, Zilu falls behind Confucius and meets an old man carrying a farm implement. When Zilu asks whether he has seen his teacher, the man replies with the words about not working one's four limbs or distinguishing the five grains, then returns to weeding. The rebuke is commonly understood as criticism of a learned life detached from farming. Yet the man also hosts Zilu, feeds him, and introduces his sons. Confucius identifies him as a recluse; the episode ends by defending public responsibility against withdrawal. The idiom therefore comes from a debate about ways of life, not a simple maxim condemning every non-farmer.
Sources and further reading
In everyday life
他常笑自己四体不勤，搬家时连个箱子都提得气喘吁吁。
He often jokes that he never does physical work; even carrying a box during the move left him panting.
Criticizes lack of physical work or practical experience; can be self-deprecating.