半边天 bàn biān tiān

半边天 bàn biān tiān

解释：半个天空。比喻妇女的作用和男人一样重要，多用来强调或称赞妇女作用大，也特指妇女或妻子。

Explanation:
Half the sky, is likened to woman who can play an equal part in the new society. It is mainly used to emphasize or praise the important role of women or wives.

Dialogue:
A：nà xiē nǚhái hǎo lìhài a!
A：那 些 女孩 好 厉害 啊！How great those girls are!
B：nàshì, fùnǚ néng dǐng bàn biān tiān ma.
B：那是， 妇女 能 顶 半 边 天 嘛。Yea, women are half the sky!

Background knowledge:
The initial meaning of ” bàn biān tiān ” refers to the important role of women after the foundation of the P.R.C.. In the feudal society, man was s the “sky” and woman is the “earth”. Woman must be obedient to man. While in the new society, feminism is advocated. “bàn biān tiān “often refers to the important role women play nowadays.Now it also means somebody plays an important role in a certain working unit. The verb 顶”dǐng”, 撑”chēng” are often used before “bàn biān tiān “. For example, he is the half sky in his department.