# 满腹经纶

mǎn fù jīng lún

Possess extensive learning and practical wisdom

## Meaning & wording

**Literally:** A belly full of ordered threads

**Traditional Chinese:** 滿腹經綸

**Register:** Appreciative · literary

[Perspective](https://chinese-idioms.yudis.dev/idioms/topics/perspective)

## When to use it

Praise broad intellectual or administrative ability.

Book knowledge alone may not prove sound judgment.

## Understanding the expression

Threads must be arranged before they can form useful cloth. The expression uses an inward store of such order as an image of learning and the ability to manage complex affairs. Modern speakers praise a knowledgeable, capable person with it, often in a formal or literary tone. It suggests resources ready to be put to use. Actual decisions and communication still show whether that knowledge can benefit others.

## Examples

她满腹经纶，却说话很谦逊。

### Traditional Chinese

她滿腹經綸，卻說話很謙遜。

tā mǎn fù jīng lún ， què shuō huà hěn qiān xùn 。

She is highly learned but speaks modestly.

这位学者满腹经纶。

### Traditional Chinese

這位學者滿腹經綸。

zhè wèi xué zhě mǎn fù jīng lún 。

This scholar has extensive learning.

他虽满腹经纶，也重视实地调查。

### Traditional Chinese

他雖滿腹經綸，也重視實地調查。

tā suī mǎn fù jīng lún ， yě zhòng shì shí dì diào chá 。

Though very learned, he values field research.

我们请满腹经纶的老师指导。

### Traditional Chinese

我們請滿腹經綸的老師指導。

wǒ men qǐng mǎn fù jīng lún de lǎo shī zhǐ dǎo 。

We asked the deeply knowledgeable teacher for guidance.

## 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=%E6%BB%BF%E8%85%B9%E7%B6%93%E7%B6%B8)

- [Ministry of Education · 成語典](https://dict.idioms.moe.edu.tw/idiomView.jsp?ID=102&webMd=1&la=0)

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