三顾茅庐
What does 三顾茅庐 mean?
Three visits to the thatched cottage — to seek out a talented person with perseverance and sincerity
比喻为了请到有才能的人，怀着真诚和耐心一再登门拜访。
Historical origin
During the late Han period, Liu Bei heard that Zhuge Liang was a brilliant young strategist living in a thatched cottage in a quiet valley. Liu Bei visited three times to seek him out. On the first visit, Zhang Fei accompanied him, but Zhuge Liang was away. On the second visit, Zhuge Liang was away again. On the third visit, in winter snow and again with Zhang Fei, Liu Bei found Zhuge Liang at home but asleep. Liu Bei waited outside for hours in patient silence, and his sincerity and respect finally moved Zhuge Liang to meet him and agree to help him.
How do you use 三顾茅庐 in a sentence?
Our principal visited the retired science teacher three times to invite her back, truly showing the spirit of "three visits to the thatched cottage."
我们校长三次去拜访那位退休的科学老师，请她回来任教，真是体现了"三顾茅庐"的精神。
Common mistake
Do not use this idiom for visiting any place three times. It is about sincerely and patiently seeking a talented person, not just repeating a trip.
不要把这个成语用成"去某个地方三次"就可以。它强调的是怀着真诚和耐心去请有才能的人，不只是重复跑了三趟。
More examples and usage guide