📖 Meaning
To discipline and temper oneself in order to uphold one's reputation and moral integrity. The phrase emphasizes the active, ongoing cultivation of principled character and honorable conduct in public life.
📜 Origin Story
The phrase originates from the Biography of Xiahou Zhan in the Book of Jin (晋书), compiled during the Tang dynasty. Commentators remarked that although Xiahou Zhan did not spend his life tempering his reputation and integrity, his death was marked by frugal simplicity and a dignified conclusion, demonstrating a deep understanding of the principles governing life and death. Over time, the phrase came to denote the Confucian ideal of rigorously cultivating one's moral name and integrity through self-discipline.
💡 Example Usage
为人当砥砺名节，不以物喜，不以己悲。
One should discipline oneself to uphold reputation and integrity, rejoicing not in material gain nor sorrowing over personal loss.
🏷️ Category
➕ Similar Idioms
➖ Opposite Idioms
🔤 Quick Facts
- Chinese: 砥砺名节
- Pinyin: dǐ lì míng jié
- Literal Translation: grind and sharpen, reputation, integrity
- Category: Morality
- Characters: 4