📖 Meaning
The phrase means to be impartial, taking neither side in a dispute. It describes an attitude of neutrality, fairness, and objectivity without favoritism or prejudice. It is closely associated with the Confucian doctrine of the Mean, advocating balance and avoidance of extremes.
📜 Origin Story
The idiom originates from Zhu Xi's preface to 'Zhongyong Zhangju' (Commentary on the Doctrine of the Mean), written during the Song Dynasty. Zhu Xi was a leading Neo-Confucian philosopher who compiled the Four Books as the foundation of Confucian education. In his annotation, he defined the concept of 'zhong' (中, the central Mean) as 'not leaning, not inclining, neither excessive nor deficient' (不偏不倚，无过不及). Through this commentary, the phrase became a lasting expression of Confucian impartiality and the philosophy of the golden mean.
💡 Example Usage
裁判在比赛中保持不偏不倚的态度，赢得了观众的尊重。
The referee maintained an impartial attitude throughout the match, earning the respect of the audience.
🏷️ Category
➕ Similar Idioms
➖ Opposite Idioms
🔤 Quick Facts
- Chinese: 不偏不倚
- Pinyin: bù piān bù yǐ
- Literal Translation: not, lean, not, incline
- Category: Morality
- Characters: 4