📖 Meaning
Refers to a person of such high moral standing that others trust them without needing words or explanation. It describes someone whose reputation and integrity command automatic confidence. Traditionally attributed to the conduct of a noble personage (君子).
📜 Origin Story
The phrase originates from the Daoist text Zhuangzi (《庄子·田子方》), composed during the Warring States period by Zhuang Zhou and his followers. In the passage, the Master is described as gaining people's trust without speaking and achieving harmony without comparison. The saying was later used by Ming dynasty novelist Feng Menglong in 'Dongzhou Lieguo Zhi' to praise the governance of legendary sage-kings Yao and Shun. It encapsulates the Confucian and Daoist ideal that moral authority surpasses verbal persuasion.
💡 Example Usage
他在乡里为人正直，不言而信，百姓无不敬服。
He was so upright in his hometown that people trusted him without a word, and the common folk all revered him.
🏷️ Category
➕ Similar Idioms
➖ Opposite Idioms
🔤 Quick Facts
- Chinese: 不言而信
- Pinyin: bù yán ér xìn
- Literal Translation: not, speak, yet, trust
- Category: Leadership
- Characters: 4