Phần Lão

Definition
  1. Proper Noun:
    • Phan Đại Lâm, styled Phần Lão: A scholar-official from the Song Dynasty in Chinese history, known by the courtesy name (tự) "Phần Lão". He is primarily remembered for an anecdote about his poetic inspiration being interrupted.
Usage Examples
  • Proper Noun:
    • Phần Lão là một nhân vật lịch sử thời Tống. (Phần Lão is a historical figure from the Song Dynasty.)
    • Truyện kể rằng Phần Lão đang làm thơ thì bị người thu thuế đến quấy rầy. (The story tells that Phần Lão was composing poetry when he was disturbed by a tax collector.)
Advanced Usage
  • This term is almost exclusively used in historical or literary contexts to refer to this specific individual and the famous anecdote associated with him. The story is often cited to illustrate the intrusion of mundane affairs (like tax collection) upon artistic or scholarly pursuit.
Variants and Related Words
  • Phan Đại Lâm: The official name of the person who used the courtesy name Phần Lão.
Synonyms
  • Historical Figure: A person of significance in history.
  • Scholar-Official: A learned person who also served in government administration.
Related Idioms/Phrases
  • While not a standalone idiom, the anecdote of "Phần Lão bị thúc thuế cắt ngang cảm hứng" (Phần Lão having his inspiration cut short by a tax demand) can be used allusively to describe any situation where creative or intellectual work is abruptly interrupted by bureaucratic or trivial matters.