📖 Meaning
To act contrary to established norms or conventions, yet still remain aligned with higher moral principles and righteousness. It describes a justifiable deviation from the rules when the greater good or a deeper truth demands flexibility.
📜 Origin Story
This idiom originates from the opening scene of the Ming Dynasty play 'The Female Top Scholar' (《女状元》) by the renowned literatus and playwright Xu Wei (徐渭). In the play, a character justifies an unorthodox action by saying, 'This is like an uncle rescuing his sister-in-law out of urgent necessity, or issuing a forged decree to execute a treacherous chieftain — it goes against the norm but accords with the Way (反经合道).' The line encapsulates the Confucian ideal that strict adherence to ritual and law can be overridden when a higher moral purpose is at stake.
💡 Example Usage
他违抗皇命开仓放粮，虽是反经合道，却救了千万百姓。
He defied the imperial decree to open the granaries and distribute grain — though it went against the rules, it was still in accord with the Way, and it saved thousands of lives.
🏷️ Category
➕ Similar Idioms
➖ Opposite Idioms
🔤 Quick Facts
- Chinese: 反经合道
- Pinyin: fǎn jīng hé dào
- Literal Translation: against, canon, accord, principle
- Category: Philosophy
- Characters: 4