# 引经据典

yǐn jīng jù diǎn

Support speech with quotations from authoritative texts

## Meaning & wording

**Literally:** Cite classics and rely on canonical writings

**Traditional Chinese:** 引經據典

**Register:** Standard · expressive

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

## When to use it

Describe learned textual support for an argument.

Quotations must be relevant and accurately contextualized.

## Understanding the expression

The speaker brings recognized texts into a discussion to give an argument weight. The expression often sounds learned and can praise careful use of established writings. It may also criticize someone who displays quotations instead of addressing the actual issue. Authority alone does not settle every modern question. The useful part is showing how the cited passage relates to the claim, rather than assuming that a famous name makes any conclusion correct.

## Examples

他引经据典地解释礼仪。

### Traditional Chinese

他引經據典地解釋禮儀。

tā yǐn jīng jù diǎn dì jiě shì lǐ yí 。

He explained etiquette by citing authoritative texts.

她引经据典，论证很充分。

### Traditional Chinese

她引經據典，論證很充分。

tā yǐn jīng jù diǎn ， lùn zhèng hěn chōng fèn 。

She supported her argument thoroughly with textual references.

别只引经据典，也要看现实。

### Traditional Chinese

別隻引經據典，也要看現實。

bié zhī yǐn jīng jù diǎn ， yě yào kàn xiàn shí 。

Do not only quote the classics; consider reality too.

教授引经据典，却把出处讲得清楚。

### Traditional Chinese

教授引經據典，卻把出處講得清楚。

jiào shòu yǐn jīng jù diǎn ， què bǎ chū chù jiǎng dé qīng chǔ 。

The professor cited classic works while explaining their sources clearly.

## 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=%E5%BC%95%E7%B6%93%E6%93%9A%E5%85%B8)

- [Ministry of Education · 成語典](https://dict.idioms.moe.edu.tw/idiomView.jsp?ID=819&webMd=1&la=0)

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