# 举案齐眉

jǔ àn qí méi

Treat one's spouse with deep respect

## Meaning & wording

**Literally:** Raise a serving tray to eyebrow height

**Traditional Chinese:** 舉案齊眉

**Register:** Warm · literary

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

## When to use it

Praise respect and courtesy between spouses.

Formal and traditional in tone.

## Understanding the expression

A tray held carefully at eyebrow level gives an image of deliberate respect in a close household relationship. Modern use usually praises married partners who treat one another courteously, even after many years together. The expression sounds traditional and often appears in celebratory writing. Respect need not involve distance or unequal roles. A healthy modern reading focuses on consideration shown by both partners in everyday life.

## Examples

他们结婚多年，仍举案齐眉。

### Traditional Chinese

他們結婚多年，仍舉案齊眉。

tā men jié hūn duō nián ， réng jǔ àn qí méi 。

After years of marriage, they still treat each other respectfully.

亲友祝新人举案齐眉。

### Traditional Chinese

親友祝新人舉案齊眉。

qīn yǒu zhù xīn rén jǔ àn qí méi 。

Friends wish the newlyweds a marriage of mutual respect.

这对夫妻举案齐眉，很少恶语相向。

### Traditional Chinese

這對夫妻舉案齊眉，很少惡語相向。

zhè duì fū qī jǔ àn qí méi ， hěn shǎo è yǔ xiāng xiàng 。

This couple respects each other and rarely speaks harshly.

她喜欢故事中举案齐眉的夫妻。

### Traditional Chinese

她喜歡故事中舉案齊眉的夫妻。

tā xǐ huan gù shì zhōng jǔ àn qí méi de fū qī 。

She likes the mutually respectful spouses in the story.

## Sources & reference checks

Original explanations and examples from Chinese Idioms Almanac. Source-checked October 6, 2026.

- [CC-CEDICT · forms & pronunciation](https://www.mdbg.net/chinese/dictionary?page=worddict&wdqb=%E8%88%89%E6%A1%88%E9%BD%8A%E7%9C%89)

- [Ministry of Education · 成語典](https://dict.idioms.moe.edu.tw/idiomView.jsp?ID=91&webMd=1&la=0)

## Keep exploring

- [居心叵测 jū xīn pǒ cè Have motives that are difficult to trust ](https://chinese-idioms.yudis.dev/idioms/ju-xin-po-ce)

- [举足轻重 jǔ zú qīng zhòng Play a decisive and influential role ](https://chinese-idioms.yudis.dev/idioms/ju-zu-qing-zhong)

- [涓滴归公 juān dī guī gōng Account for every small amount for the shared purpose ](https://chinese-idioms.yudis.dev/idioms/juan-di-gui-gong)

- [开诚布公 kāi chéng bù gōng Speak openly and sincerely ](https://chinese-idioms.yudis.dev/idioms/kai-cheng-bu-gong)

## Keep this one close.

Save useful idioms, read offline, and revisit them with flashcards in Almanac.

[View on the App Store ](https://apps.apple.com/app/id6819590452)

[Previous idiom 咎由自取 ](https://chinese-idioms.yudis.dev/idioms/jiu-you-zi-qu) [Next idiom 居安思危 ](https://chinese-idioms.yudis.dev/idioms/ju-an-si-wei)