📖 Meaning
To be upright and principled without flattering or showing favoritism. It describes someone who is resolutely honest and refuses to curry favor with the powerful, even at personal cost.
📜 Origin Story
The phrase originates from Volume 14 of 'Diangu Jiwen' (Records of Anecdotes) by Yu Jideng of the Ming Dynasty. The text notes that an official who is 'upright and not given to flattery, and does not pursue private audiences' would be considered unworthy by corrupt peers. This reflects how honest officials were often marginalized in court politics. Over time, the phrase became a common commendation for principled officials throughout Chinese history.
💡 Example Usage
他一生刚正不阿，从不向权贵低头。
He was upright and unyielding his whole life, never bowing to the powerful.
🏷️ Category
➕ Similar Idioms
➖ Opposite Idioms
🔤 Quick Facts
- Chinese: 刚正不阿
- Pinyin: gāng zhèng bù ē
- Literal Translation: firm, upright, not, flatter
- Category: Morality
- Characters: 4