📖 Meaning
Originally meaning to take benevolence as one's duty without deferring to anyone. It now means to actively and willingly take on what one ought to do, without hesitation or false modesty. It conveys a sense of responsible initiative rather than aggression.
📜 Origin Story
The phrase originates from the Analects of Confucius (《论语·卫灵公》), where Confucius stated, 'When faced with benevolence, do not yield even to your teacher.' In the Spring and Autumn period, Confucius emphasized that moral duty transcends social hierarchy—when righteousness is at stake, one should step forward regardless of rank or seniority. Over centuries the meaning broadened from specifically confronting virtue to generally taking initiative in any rightful cause. The idiom was later popularized in Qing-dynasty literature such as Li Baojia's 《官场现形记》.
💡 Example Usage
社区的环保活动，他当仁不让地承担了组织工作。
He took it upon himself without hesitation to organize the community's environmental initiative.
🏷️ Category
➕ Similar Idioms
➖ Opposite Idioms
🔤 Quick Facts
- Chinese: 当仁不让
- Pinyin: dāng rén bù ràng
- Literal Translation: face, benevolence, not, yield
- Category: Morality
- Characters: 4