# 借题发挥

jiè tí fā huī

Use the current topic to express another point

## Meaning & wording

**Literally:** Borrow a topic to develop one's remarks

**Traditional Chinese:** 借題發揮

**Register:** General · spoken & written

[People & connection](https://chinese-idioms.yudis.dev/idioms/topics/relationships)

## When to use it

Describe using an occasion as a pretext for a further message.

It can suggest an indirect agenda; explain the connection.

## The image & its use

A conversation about a misplaced notebook may become a speech about better organization. The speaker has used the immediate topic to develop a broader point. This expression describes that move, often with the suggestion that the broader message was what the speaker wanted to deliver all along. It may be reasonable or feel like an unnecessary detour. Consider whether the connection helps the listeners. Stating the larger purpose openly can be clearer than making them guess why a small matter has become an extended discussion.

## Examples

他借题发挥，从一本旧书谈到阅读习惯。

### Traditional Chinese

他借題發揮，從一本舊書談到閱讀習慣。

tā jiè tí fā huī ， cóng yì běn jiù shū tán dào yuè dú xí guàn 。

He used an old book as the occasion to discuss reading habits.

别借题发挥，先把眼前的问题说明白。

### Traditional Chinese

別借題發揮，先把眼前的問題說明白。

bié jiè tí fā huī ， xiān bǎ yǎn qián de wèn tí shuō míng bái 。

Do not turn this into another discussion; explain the present issue first.

她借题发挥，提醒大家注意文件命名。

### Traditional Chinese

她借題發揮，提醒大家注意文件命名。

tā jiè tí fā huī ， tí xǐng dà jiā zhù yì wén jiàn mìng míng 。

She used the topic as an occasion to remind everyone about file names.

这段评论借题发挥，表达了作者更广泛的想法。

### Traditional Chinese

這段評論借題發揮，表達了作者更廣泛的想法。

zhè duàn píng lùn jiè tí fā huī ， biǎo dá le zuò zhě gèng guǎng fàn de xiǎng fǎ 。

The comment uses its immediate topic to express the author's wider views.

## Sources & reference checks

Original explanations and examples from Chinese Idioms Almanac. Source-checked October 7, 2026.

- [Ministry of Education · 成語典](https://dict.idioms.moe.edu.tw/idiomView.jsp?ID=1217&webMd=1&la=0)

- [CC-CEDICT · forms & pronunciation](https://www.mdbg.net/chinese/dictionary?page=worddict&wdqb=%E5%80%9F%E9%A1%8C%E7%99%BC%E6%8F%AE)

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