📖 Meaning
To accept advice and criticism as naturally as water flowing downstream. It describes someone, especially a leader, who is open-minded and genuinely willing to listen to others' candid criticism and suggestions.
📜 Origin Story
This idiom originates from 'Wang Ming Lun' (On the Mandate of Kings) by Ban Biao of the Han dynasty. The original passage reads '从谏如顺流，趣时如响赴' — accepting remonstrance is like following the current, responding to the times is like an echo answering a call. Ban Biao used this metaphor to praise rulers who readily embrace candid criticism, likening their receptiveness to water flowing naturally downhill.
💡 Example Usage
这位经理从谏如流，很快采纳了员工的建议。
This manager accepts advice as readily as flowing water and quickly adopted the employees' suggestions.
🏷️ Category
➕ Similar Idioms
➖ Opposite Idioms
🔤 Quick Facts
- Chinese: 从谏如流
- Pinyin: cóng jiàn rú liú
- Literal Translation: follow remonstrance, like flowing water
- Category: Leadership
- Characters: 4