茅塞顿开

茅塞顿开

Literally means:

be enlightened all of sudden

Actually means:

see the light suddenly

茅塞 means one's heart or mind seems to be crammed with straw, so he cannot think clearly or figure out things.

This phrase figuratively means being enlightened and seeing through a matter or understanding the truths. It is usually used to express one's modesty. Commendatory.

茅塞，比喻心里或脑子好像被茅草堵住一样，以致思路不通或不懂事理。

茅塞顿开，比喻受到启发，思想开窍，懂得了某些道理。多用来表示自谦。具有褒义色彩。