Literally, 孟母三迁 (mènɡ mǔ sān qiān) means "Mencius' Mom Moved the House Three Times". It is used to show the hardship and greatness of a Mother's love.

During the Warring States era, Mencius's childhood home was close to the cemetery and he learned many sacrificial actions. "You can't let your kids live in this place.", people said. So, the Meng family moved to the other side of the town. The new home is on the edge of the market, Mencius imitates the businessman to do business, to learn the brag and boast. "Here is not a good place, we should move.", the mother said. Soon, Meng mother moved the family near the school, all people are very polite, and Mencius learned. When he played with his friends, he was orderly and polite. "Well, this is the best place for my kids to live." Later, Mencius became a great saint.