📖 Meaning
To have one's bones ground to powder and give up one's life. It describes a willingness to sacrifice one's life for a cause or duty, expressing ultimate devotion and selflessness. The phrase conveys the resolve to die rather than fail in one's obligations.
📜 Origin Story
This idiom originates from a memorial table submitted by the Tang dynasty poet and official Du Mu, titled 'You Xie Ci Pi Da Biao' (Again Thanking for the Emperor's Reply). In it, Du Mu pledged to exert all his strength and have his bones crushed to powder, sacrificing his life to serve the sovereign, vowing to act on every duty he knew and never to shun death itself. The expression embodies the feudal loyalty of a minister willing to die for his ruler. Later writers, including the Ming dynasty grand secretary Zhang Juzheng, also employed it to affirm their unwavering dedication.
💡 Example Usage
面对国家危难，他甘愿粉骨捐躯，以报效朝廷。
Facing the nation's peril, he was willing to sacrifice his life to serve the court.
🏷️ Category
➕ Similar Idioms
➖ Opposite Idioms
🔤 Quick Facts
- Chinese: 粉骨捐躯
- Pinyin: fěn gǔ juān qū
- Literal Translation: powder, bone, donate, body
- Category: Determination
- Characters: 4