ghostwrite; hold a knife
Meanings
2 senses · 5 examplesverb
to write (an article) for someone else; to ghostwrite
literaryDerived from the historical anecdote in 《世说新语》where Cao Cao had Cui Yan impersonate him during a reception with a Xiongnu envoy while he himself stood by the bed holding a knife. The envoy later identified the 'knife-holder' as the true hero, leading to the extended meaning of writing on behalf of another.
This speech was ghostwritten by an expert.
He often ghostwrites for newspapers and magazines.
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This article was not written by me personally, but was ghostwritten by someone else.
verb
to hold a knife (referring to the original anecdote)
archaicLiteral meaning from the historical anecdote in 《世说新语•容止》describing Cao Cao holding a knife while standing by the bed. Rarely used in modern contexts except when referencing the story.
The King of Wei has an extraordinary elegant demeanor, but the man holding the knife by the bedside—he is the true hero.
Cao Cao stood holding a knife, having Cui Yan receive the envoy in his place.