暗送秋波 (Àn sòng qiū bō)

Basic Info

• Chinese Idiom: 暗送秋波 (Àn sòng qiū bō)
• Pinyin: àn sòng qiū bō
• Literal meaning: “Secretly sending autumn ripples.”
  (暗 = secretly / covertly; 送 = to send; 秋波 = “autumn waves,” a classical metaphor for a beautiful woman’s clear, bright eyes)

So the literal image is secretly sending meaningful glances with one’s bright eyes.

Figurative Definition

It means to secretly send flirtatious or loving glances to someone – to signal romantic interest through subtle eye contact rather than open words. It can also be used more broadly and slightly cynically to mean secretly making overtures to someone, currying favor, or signaling covert interest for personal advantage.

It is often one-sided or discreet. The emphasis is on “暗” (secret / covert) – the communication is indirect, hidden, and easily denied.

Cultural & Historical Origin

This idiom comes from Ming Dynasty popular literature, especially Feng Menglong’s (冯梦龙) collection Gua Zhi Er · Si Kui (《挂枝儿·私窥》):

“眉儿来，眼儿去，暗送秋波。”

“Eyebrows come, eyes go – secretly sending autumn waves.”

The phrase describes lovers or would-be lovers exchanging glances in a covert, teasing way. “秋波” is a classical poetic image: autumn water is clear and rippling, and so it became a metaphor for bright, expressive, beautiful eyes – especially a woman’s eyes.

In traditional Chinese culture, open romantic expression was often restricted, so eye contact and subtle gestures became an important way of communicating attraction. The idiom captures that discreet, coded form of flirtation.

It is closely related to “眉来眼去” (méi lái yǎn qù – “eyebrows come, eyes go”), but there is a nuance:

• 暗送秋波: Secret / covert signaling, often one-sided.
• 眉来眼去: Open, mutual flirting through glances and expressions.

Key Lesson

Not all communication is spoken. A glance, a smile, or a small gesture can carry a message – sometimes romantic, sometimes strategic. The idiom reminds us that hidden signals are powerful but ambiguous: they can express genuine interest, but they can also be used to manipulate or curry favor. Wise people read the signals without overinterpreting them, and honest people do not hide important intentions behind endless “autumn waves.”

Cultural Note

In modern Chinese, “暗送秋波” is usually used in a light, slightly teasing tone. It commonly describes:

• Romantic flirtation – someone secretly casting loving glances at a crush.
• Office or social politics – someone covertly trying to please a boss or influential person.
• Humorous commentary – friends teasing someone for stealing glances at someone attractive.

It is less serious than outright seduction and less negative than “flattery,” but it always implies something is being communicated indirectly. In modern usage, it can be applied to both men and women, though traditionally the image was of a woman’s eyes.

Similar English Expressions

• To make eyes at someone – To look at someone in a flirtatious way.
• To give someone the eye – To signal romantic or sexual interest through glances.
• To cast sheep’s eyes at someone – An old-fashioned phrase for looking at someone with romantic longing.
• To bat one’s eyelashes / eyelids at someone – To flirt by blinking or widening the eyes.
• To exchange glances – A neutral phrase for mutual eye contact.
• To send secret signals – A broader equivalent for covert communication.
• To flirt covertly – A direct descriptive phrase.
• To curry favor behind the scenes – For the non-romantic, strategic meaning.

The closest and most natural equivalents are “to make eyes at someone,” “to give someone the eye,” and “to flirt covertly.”

In short, “暗送秋波” means secretly sending autumn ripples – a poetic Chinese image of flirtatious glances, and a reminder that eye contact can carry messages that words never say.