程门立雪

Respect for one's teacher and dedication to learning.

《宋史》

"Standing in the Snow at Cheng's Door" comes from the "History of Song: Biography of Yang Shi." It tells the story of Northern Song scholars Yang Shi and You Zuo, who went to pay their respects to their teacher Cheng Yi. It happened that Cheng Yi was resting with his eyes closed, so the two stood respectfully outside the door and waited. By the time Cheng Yi woke up, the snow outside had already reached a foot deep. This idiom is therefore used to describe the spirit of honoring teachers and respecting tradition, and of seeking instruction with devotion. Its deeper meaning lies not only in showing respect for teachers, but also in emphasizing sincerity, patience, and humility when seeking knowledge and asking about the Way. It is mostly used to praise someone for humbly seeking instruction and respecting teachers and elders, or to describe a deep bond between teacher and student. In terms of cultural background, it reflects the values of "the dignity of the teaching profession" in Confucian tradition and the respect for teachers and emphasis on education carried by "standing in the snow at Cheng's door." Its emotional coloring is positive, with a solemn and reverent tone, and it is often used to encourage people to treat learning and teachers with devotion.

1. He waited outside the professor's office for three hours just to ask an academic question, truly standing in the snow at Cheng's door—a moving display of deep respect for teachers and sincere thirst for knowledge. (Describing the spirit of honoring teachers and seeking instruction with devotion.) 2. In today's society, we still need the spirit of standing in the snow at Cheng's door—learning humbly from our elders and teachers—so that we can keep making progress. (Describing an attitude of respect for teachers and sincere pursuit of learning.)