Explainer | What Chinese phrase ‘wearing small shoes’ means and its connection to painful bridal shoes
Idiom stretches back to ancient times, invokes acts of revenge and humiliation, is commonly used in today’s workplace
In modern-day office politics, Chinese people use the phrase “wearing small shoes” to describe someone who abuses their power or position to deliberately make things difficult for others.
The term originates from an ancient marriage folklore in which the bride was forced to wear embroidered shoes that were intentionally made too small to torment her.
Shoes hold a deep significance in Chinese marriages and wedding ceremonies. A pair represents a couple staying together in harmony, symbolising companionship and a lifelong union.
A common Chinese wedding tradition involves hiding the bride’s wedding shoes and having the groom, often helped by bridesmaids, search for them.
This playful ritual adds joy to the ceremony while testing the groom’s patience. It also symbolises his dedication and commitment to the bride.
However, the idiom “wearing small shoes” has a more sombre historical context.
The literal “small shoes” refer to the intricately embroidered footwear worn by women who had undergone foot binding in ancient times, causing immense physical suffering.
