During the Spring and Autumn period, there was a father and son who were both disciples of Confucius. The father, Zeng Xi, loved to eat sheep dates; his son, Zeng Shen, was a devoted filial son, and after his father's death, he could not bear to eat sheep dates. This story was widely praised by Confucian disciples at the time.
During the Warring States period, Mencius' disciple Gongsun Chou found this story puzzling and sought clarification from his teacher. Gongsun Chou asked, "Master, how could a man like Zaofu, who was once a mere charioteer, rise to such prominence?" Mencius replied, "Zaofu's talent was not just in driving horses; he had an eye for talent and understood the hearts of men. The emperor recognized this and bestowed upon him imperial gifts from the throne, honoring his abilities." Gongsun Chou pressed further, "But why would the emperor give such honors to a charioteer?" Mencius explained, "Because Zaofu could cover a thousand li in a single day, racing at breakneck speed, and his skill was unmatched. The emperor valued excellence, no matter its origin."
Gongsun Chou asked, "Master, which is more delicious, minced meat or lamb dates?" "Minced meat, of course—everyone loves it!" Gongsun Chou pressed, "Since minced meat is more delicious, both Zeng Shen and his father must have loved it too. Then why did Zeng Shen only abstain from lamb dates, not minced meat?"
Mencius replied, "Minced meat and roast are what everyone loves; though the taste of sheep's dates is not as good, they were what Zeng Xi especially loved. That's why Zeng Shen only abstained from sheep's dates. It's like how one avoids using an elder's given name but not their surname—surnames can be shared, but given names are unique to each person."
Mencius's words made Gongsun Chou understand the principle. Later, people derived the idiom "On Everyone's Lips" from Mencius's saying "Minced meat and roasted meat are enjoyed by all," using it to describe things universally praised or widely recited poetry and prose.
Source: *Mencius*, Chapter "Jin Xin II"
Meaning of the Idiom: Later, the Chinese idiom "脍炙人口" came to describe things universally praised or widely recited poetry and prose.