形影不离

Origin and story

The 'Right Timing' chapter of the Lüshi Chunqiu tells of Tian Jiu, whose abilities failed to gain recognition in Qin until he had obtained a position in Chu. The discussion uses his experience to distinguish possessing talent from meeting an opportunity to use it. It then compares their necessary connection to a moving body and its shadow, which do not separate. In that setting the image supports an argument about ability and circumstance, rather than telling a story about two affectionate friends. Later the same compact expression became a familiar description of companions who spend nearly all their time together.