chū出exitkǒu口mouthchéng成becomezhāng章essay
Words leave the mouth as finished essays — eloquent on the spot.
Literal meaning
exit (出) — mouth (口) — become (成) — essay (章)
Origin
A classical phrase praising speakers whose extemporaneous speech is so polished it could be transcribed as written prose without editing. Used since the Tang dynasty as the standard compliment for fluent, eloquent speakers.
Examples
Tā他chū出kǒu口chéng成zhāng章，fā发yán言bú不yòng用gǎo稿zi子。
He speaks eloquently off the cuff — no notes needed.
Chū出kǒu口chéng成zhāng章de的rén人hěn很shǎo少jiàn见。
Speakers who can extemporise like that are rare.
Usage & nuances
Strong praise. Reserve for unusually fluent, polished speakers.
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