This idiom comes from a story about the famous Neo-Confucian scholar Yang Shi（杨时） during the Song Dynasty.

Yang Shi was exceptionally intelligent from a young age. He started school at four, could write poetry at seven, and compose essays at eight, earning him the nickname “child prodigy.” He devoted his life to writing and teaching, and was widely admired.

One day, Yang Shi and a fellow student had a disagreement over a scholarly matter. To seek a proper answer, they decided to visit the renowned scholar Cheng Yi（程颐）. When they arrived at Cheng’s residence, the young servant at the door said:

“Master Cheng is currently meditating in his study. Perhaps you should come back another day.”

Yang Shi replied:

“That’s alright. I’ll wait here.”

Seeing his determination, the servant went back inside. Soon after, heavy snow began to fall. The servant came out again to persuade him to leave and avoid the snowstorm, but Yang Shi insisted:

“Please just let Master Cheng know, when he finishes meditating, that Yang Shi is respectfully waiting outside to ask for guidance.”

The snow kept falling, piling up deeper and deeper. Moved by Yang Shi’s persistence, the servant invited him to wait inside, but Yang Shi politely declined, saying:

“Thank you, but I’ll continue to wait here.”

Only after Cheng Yi finished meditating did the servant inform him. Cheng Yi was shocked:

“He’s still outside?”

When he opened the door, everyone was stunned — more than a foot of snow had accumulated, and Yang Shi was still standing in the same spot, completely still.

“Quick, help Master Yang inside!” Cheng exclaimed, scolding him for being so stubborn while ordering his attendants to assist.

Shivering, Yang Shi said:

“As a student seeking instruction from a great teacher, I should show full respect by waiting patiently.”

Cheng Yi was deeply moved and gladly accepted him as a disciple, teaching him everything he knew. Later, Yang Shi became a pillar of the state, and the story of Chéng Mén Lì Xuě (Standing in the Snow at Master Cheng’s Gate) became a celebrated symbol of respecting teachers and earnestly seeking knowledge.

Recap

  • Idiom: 程门立雪
  • Pinyin: chéng mén lì xuě
  • English Translation: stand in the snow at the gate of Master Cheng; show utmost respect for a teacher
  • Extended Meaning: Describes a student’s deep respect and humility toward a teacher, symbolizing dedication to learning and reverence for education.

Question

If it were you, would you wait outside in the snow?

Introduction of Related Figures

  • Yang Shi（杨时） (1053–1135), courtesy name Zhongli, was a prominent Neo-Confucian scholar and educator during the Northern Song Dynasty. He was a devoted student of Cheng Yi and Cheng Hao and played a key role in transmitting and developing Neo-Confucian philosophy, later known as the Cheng-Zhu school. Known for his moral integrity, humility, and scholarly rigor, Yang Shi is especially remembered for the famous story "Standing in the Snow at Master Cheng’s Gate".
  • Cheng Yi（程颐） (1033–1107) – A prominent Neo-Confucian scholar of the Song Dynasty.