Grandma's grandson got into university — good news cheered her up so much even her cough seemed half gone.
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history
From the Qing-dynasty historical novel 《隋唐演义》 by Chu Renhuo (褚人获), chapter 7: 人逢喜事精神爽，闷向心来瞌睡多 — 'when joy comes to a person, the spirit lifts; when gloom settles in the heart, sleep comes heavy.' The first half passed into proverbial use; Xinhua lists it among its standard chengyu.
usage
Often quoted on its own, but the full folk pair is 人逢喜事精神爽，月到中秋分外明 ('when joy comes, the spirit lifts; when the moon reaches Mid-Autumn, it is especially bright'). Used today at weddings, promotions, exam results, and any other happy occasion.
