a goose feather sent from a thousand li away; a small gift that conveys great affection:
send the feather of a swan one thousand li -- the gift in itself may be insignificant, but the goodwill is deep; a trifling gift sent afar with good-will; The present is trifling, but the feeling is profound.; a small gift with great meaning; The gift itself may be light as a goose feather, but sent from afar, it conveys deep feeling.