throw away a brick in order to get a gem; (serve as) a modest spur to induce someone to come forward with his valuable contributions; break the ice; cast a brick to attract jade -- offer a few commonplace remarks by way of introduction so that others may come up with valuable opinions; cast away a brick and attract a jadestone; give a thing with a view of getting sth. better in return; throw [fling away] a sprat to catch a mackerel [a whale]; throw out a brick so as to draw pieces of jade; throw out a minnow to catch a whale
引玉之磚 a mere common brick to draw others into throwing in their pieces of jade; a modest spur to induce others to come forward with valuable contributions of their own; i presume to be the first speaker by way of breaking the ice.; the expression of one's crude remarks may draw forth others by abler men.; throw stones in order to bring back jade