諺語 · a single proverb
蛛絲馬跡
Simplified: 蛛丝马迹
What does 蛛絲馬跡 (zhū sī mǎ jì) mean?
蛛絲馬跡 (zhū sī mǎ jì) is a four-character classical idiom (chéngyǔ 成語). Word for word it reads "Spider silk and horse hoofprints." In use it means: Faint clues and traces that reveal the truth. Even the most careful concealment leaves tiny signs for the observant eye. You reach for it when you want that idea in one breath, and the Earth note it carries is why we hand it to those born in the Year of the Horse.
Literally: "Spider silk and horse hoofprints.."
The reading
Nothing passes through the world without leaving a mark. The spider's thread catches light only at the right angle. The hoofprint fills with rain and almost vanishes. But 'almost' is not 'completely.' The patient observer does not need a confession. The world confesses on its own to anyone willing to look closely enough.
What kind of proverb it is
Source Classical Chinese literary idiom, Qing Dynasty usage
Sits beside
Keep reading
Return to the Proverb Pond to draw another of the eighty-seven, or hear one read aloud. Read the rest of its chapter in Wisdom & Learning, or follow the years these lines belong to: Year of the Horse, Year of the Rat, and Year of the Ox.
Questions
Is 蛛絲馬跡 a real Chinese proverb?
Yes. 蛛絲馬跡 (zhū sī mǎ jì) is a four-character classical idiom (chéngyǔ 成語), and it comes from Classical Chinese literary idiom, Qing Dynasty usage. It is living Chinese heritage, given here with per-character pinyin and its source so you can trust the line, not a phrase invented in English.
How do you pronounce 蛛絲馬跡?
In Mandarin it is zhū sī mǎ jì. Read the pinyin above each character to follow the tones, or press the speaker beside the calligraphy to hear your browser read 蛛絲馬跡 aloud in Mandarin.